Several days after a group of organizations made a proposal of an anti-corruption bill the state’s top official introduced a similar measure.
Baja California Governor Francisco Vega held Sunday a ceremony along with local business leaders to announce the introduction of the bill at the Assembly.
Gov. Vega said his administration is committed to combat corruption and improve transparency and accountability.
However, allegations have been brought against the executive and some cabinet member during the past three years.
The bill includes a provision to create the state’s Anti-corruption System to detect, prevent and punish any violation.
Controller Bladimiro Hernández said the bill would create new mechanisms and institutions, composed by independent citizens, to address the issue.
If enacted, the bill would also punish individuals who take part of corruption acts, regardless of the fact of occupying public office.
Sunday’s announcement was made along with Transparency Institute Chair Francisco Postlewaite, Baja California’s Citizens Observatory President Eduardo Martínez and Business Chamber President Francisco Fiorentini.
Members of a non-profit organization and a business chamber introduced Thursday a bill that, if enacted, would create a special prosecutorial office that would combat corruption.
The bill was introduced at the state Assembly along with 4,624 signatures.
Baja California’s Citizen Observatory Youth Coordinator Fernanda Flores underlined the importance that residents keep public officials, especially lawmakers, accountable.
“Since the fight for the ‘3 de 3’ was launched at the national level, youth got involved in signature collecting all over the state,” she said. “This is the time to begin the fight against corruption in the state.”
Mexicali’s Business Federation Chairman Francisco Fiorentini said corruption is the country’s greatest cáncer that for its cure constitutional amendments are needed by introducing an Anti-Corruption Attorney office lead by an honorable and recognized individual who acts independently from the govenor’s office.
Mexicali’s Juvenile Orgnizations Coordination, or Cojum in Spanish, has been working for the past two years in several social benefit causes. Next year, the 23-organization collective plans to hold seminars and other activities to create the state’s Anti-Corruption Law.
“According to Forbes, corruption costs Mexico $100 billion per year. Citizens are tired of unfairness and impunity,” said Cojum chairwoman Daylín García. “It is time to punish corruption acts.”
