08 April 2023, SEOUL - The Philippine Embassy in Korea, led by Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega, was honored to join PH head of delegation, DFA Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Jesus S. Domingo, at the Indo-Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Meeting of the Second Summit for Democracy held in Seoul on 30 March 2023.

The meeting was attended by Republic of Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol, Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Park Jin, Indonesia Foreign Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi, and United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai, along with other high-level representatives from the Indo-Pacific region. During the Summit, Undersecretary Domingo reaffirmed the commitment of the Philippines to promoting democracy and the rule of law in the fight against corruption.

"The Philippines recognizes the importance of an approach that integrates sound legislation, greater transparency and accountability aided by technology and the institutionalized participation of an active and engaged citizenry and civil society," stressed Undersecretary Domingo. "The fight against corruption will provide impetus to a fair, effective, accountable and transparent government institution which will deliver sustainable development for our peoples," he concluded.

The Second Summit for Democracy, co-hosted by the US, Republic of Korea, Costa Rica, the Netherlands, and Zambia, is a follow up to the December 2021 Summit and renewed the commitment of participating countries to pursue and implement a global agenda that includes the protection of democratic institutions, promotion of human rights, and enhanced public access to the Internet, among others. The Third Summit for Democracy will be hosted by the Republic of Korea.

The Indo-Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Meeting adopted the Seoul Declaration on Challenges and Progress in Addressing Corruption, which drew attention to the role of international cooperation, non-governmental stakeholders, financial transparency and integrity, and technology in strengthening global and national anti-corruption initiatives.

While in Seoul, Undersecretary Jesus Domingo together with Deputy Undersecretary Arnel Talisayon also met with officers of the Embassy and heads of Philippine attached agencies to discuss civilian security and consular concerns. The delegation likewise conducted a site visit to the Boramae Safety Experience Training Center to learn about Republic of Korea's best practices in training civilians for disaster risk and reduction management. END