SENATE, Pasay City — Conferred with the World Integrity Prize and recognized as a Person of Sincere Anti-Corruption Integrity by the South Korea-based Anti-Corruption Civil Movement General Federation (ACCMGF), Senator Joel Villanueva has expressed hope that despite widespread corruption in the government and private sectors, there is still hope for betterment.

Villanueva was personally received the award from representatives of the ACCMGF personally at the Senate plenary hall, the recognition marking the lawmaker's “remarkable contributions to combating corruption and promoting transparency throughout his 23 years of public service.”

“As someone whose career in public service has been deeply influenced by the anti-corruption movement, receiving this World Integrity Prize is truly a great honor. This recognition strengthens my resolve to continue the fight for transparency and accountability,” the senator enthused after he received the award.

“It is not an easy task to fight the twin evils of graft and corruption. I believe that you have to increase accountability to all public offices,” he added.

In spite of the recognition from ACCMGF, Villanueva stressed that much has yet to be done as the battle against corruption is far from over.

According to him, the situation now has grown harder because corruption has evolved into new forms, influenced by the advancement of technology and an increasingly liberal approach to societal issues.

However, the senator quickly interjected that he remains hopeful because organizations like the ACCMGF remind those fighting corruption that a difference can still be made.