The Philippine government Tuesday presented an anti-corruption strategy to root out the "scourge," which was blamed for slow economic development and aggravated poverty in the country.

Presidential Chief of Staff Rigoberto Tiglao said in a paper that the strategy, also called "roadmap", would follow the trail taken by Hong Kong of China.

Tiglao said that effective law enforcement, strengthening of people's values, passing relevant legislations, judicial reforms and establishing a system in government that will ensure transparency in all transactions will complement the roadmap.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo earlier expressed her intention to work closely with the church and businessmen to draftanti-corruption programs that would involve all sectors to scrutinize government contracts and projects, especially the termsof bidding.

She also asked the Cabinet to coordinate with business groups in setting up an anti-corruption fund.

The Philippines has been ranked the fourth most corrupt countryin Asia.

Source: Xinhua