NEW YORK—All United Nations member-countries, including the Philippines, have agreed over the weekend to a new mechanism to monitor and implement a global treaty to fight corruption.

UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa praised governments for recognizing that “the promotion of a culture of integrity and the prevention of corruption are the responsibilities of all sectors of society.” This theme was echoed throughout the weeklong negotiations in Doha, Qatar by parliamentarians, the media, civil society, the private sector and international organizations.

FILIPINO businessmen are asking the government to take the initiative in starting the bilateral talks between the Philippines and the European Union (EU) for a free-trade agreement (FTA) after a study made by a think tank showed that the country will benefit immensely from it.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) urged Trade Secretary Peter Favila to immediately send word to EU Commissioner for Trade Catherine Ashton that the Philippines is now ready to engage the European Community in a bilateral FTA.

THE government’s disbursement level for official development assistance (ODA) loans went up by 63 percent to $993.61 million for January to September this year, according to figures released by the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

In a statement, Neda’s Project Monitoring Staff (PMS) director Roderick Planta said the significant hike in disbursements was largely attributed to the single tranche release of two program loans.