BUSINESS GROUPS ASSAIL CORRUPTION

BUSINESS, civic and professional groups have united in a rare joint manifesto, blasting widespread corruption in government infrastructure projects.

They have also warned of eroding trust in government.

The joint manifesto singled out the Department of Public Works and Highways, some local government units and the Commission on Audit, accusing officials of orchestrating systemic plunder of public funds.

It also castigated Congress for allegedly funneling contracts to lawmakers' family-owned companies and padding the budget with ghost projects.