Anticorruption Champions Award: Champions of Integrity, The Global Fight Against Corruption

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Corruption corrodes societies from within, weakening institutions, stifling economic progress, and eroding public trust in governance. Around the world, courageous individuals rise against this menace, often at great personal risk. To honor their unwavering commitment, the U.S. Department of State launched the Anti-Corruption Champions Award (ACCA) in 2021. This prestigious recognition is bestowed annually upon activists, journalists, legal professionals, and government officials who have demonstrated extraordinary bravery in the battle for transparency and accountability.

Let’s take a closer look at these remarkable individuals who have shaped the global anti-corruption movement from 2021 to the present.

2021: Inaugural Champions – Laying the Foundation for Change

The first-ever Anti-Corruption Champions Award was presented on December 8, 2021, by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken. These honorees, hailing from diverse backgrounds, were recognized for their tireless efforts in exposing corruption and advocating for reform:

1. Dorothy Bradley (Belize) – A pioneer in governmental transparency and financial accountability.

2. Nikolay Staykov (Bulgaria) – An investigative journalist who fearlessly uncovered corruption at the highest levels.

3. Alexandra Attalides (Cyprus) – A reformist advocating for civic engagement and political accountability.

4. Carlos Giovanni Ruano Pineda (Guatemala) – A judge known for his steadfast commitment to judicial independence.

5. Gabriela Alejandra Castellanos (Honduras) – A watchdog leader investigating corruption in public institutions.

6. Jamiliya Maricheva (Kazakhstan) – A human rights activist spearheading anti-corruption initiatives.

7. Juris Juriss (Latvia) – A prosecutor dedicated to tackling high-profile corruption cases.

8. Riad Kobeissi (Lebanon) – A journalist who exposed corruption within Lebanon’s customs authority.

9. Martha Chizuma (Malawi) – A fearless advocate for anti-corruption policy reforms.

10. Denise Namburete (Mozambique) – An activist ensuring financial transparency in government dealings.

11. Dr. Torplus Yomnak (Thailand) – A researcher promoting anti-corruption education.

12. Carlos Paparoni (Venezuela) – A legislator confronting corruption linked to drug trafficking networks.

The champions named year 2021 are:

1. Ardian Dvorani, judge and member of the Justice Appointments Council of Albania;

2. Diana Salazar, Ecuador’s attorney general;

3. Sophia Pretrick, investigative advisor for the Compliance Investigation Division of the Pohnpei State Auditor of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM);

4. Juan Francisco Sandoval Alfaro, chief of the Special Prosecutors Office Against Corruption and Impunity in Guatemala;

5. Ibrahima Kalil Gueye, Chair and co-founder of the Organization for Positive Change, an NGO focusing on good governance, peace, and education in Guinea;

6. Anjali Bhardwaj, an active member of the Right to Information Movement in India;

7. Dhuha A. Mohammed, director-general for Electronic Payments at the Central Bank of Iraq;

8. Mustafa Abdullah Sanalla, chairman of Libya’s National Oil Corporation;

9. Francis Ben Kaifala, commissioner of Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC);

10. Ruslan Ryaboshapka, former prosecutor general in Ukraine; 

11. Bolot Temirov, investigative journalist and editor-in-chief of Factcheck.kg in the Kyrgyz Republic.

12. Victor Sotto, Pasig City, Philippines Mayor

*From US Embassy in the Philippines 

These champions set the stage for what would become a globally recognized initiative in the fight against corruption.

2022: Strengthening the Global Anti-Corruption Movement

On December 9, 2022, to mark International Anti-Corruption Day, the U.S. Department of State honored eight more champions whose relentless pursuit of justice has made a lasting impact:

1. Antonio Cervantes García (Mexico) – A legal expert protecting indigenous rights and advocating for transparency.

2. Jean de Dieu Rakotondramihamina (Madagascar) – A leader in financial auditing and public accountability.

3. Stevan Dojcinovic (Serbia) – A journalist exposing organized crime and corruption.

4. Cynthia Gabriel (Malaysia) – A human rights defender pushing for anti-corruption reforms.

5. Rozina Islam (Bangladesh) – A journalist uncovering corruption in the healthcare sector.

6. Marco Antonio Rueda Soto (Colombia) – A judge maintaining judicial integrity in the face of political pressure.

7. Qismah Salih Ali Mendeli (Iraq) – An inspector general ensuring accountability in public institutions.

8. Janet Zhou (Zimbabwe) – A civil society leader advocating for government transparency.

2023: Expanding the Fight Against Corruption

In December 2023, the Department of State honored eleven exceptional individuals for their relentless courage:

1. Veronica Mihailov-Moraru (Moldova) – A Justice Minister spearheading judicial reforms.

2. Nikhil Dey (India) – A grassroots activist championing the right to information.

3. Stanislau Ivaskhevich (Belarus) – A journalist uncovering government corruption.

4. Marc N. Kollie (Liberia) – An investigator targeting bribery at the highest levels.

5. Francisco Belo Simoes da Costa (Timor-Leste) – A whistleblower revealing corrupt government dealings.

6. Jean-Claude Mputu (Democratic Republic of the Congo) – An advocate exposing corruption in the mining sector.

7. Vladimir Novovic (Montenegro) – A prosecutor leading high-profile anti-corruption cases.

8. Annette Planells (Panama) – A transparency advocate fighting against political corruption.

9. May De Silva (Seychelles) – An anti-corruption commissioner strengthening accountability institutions.

10. Arturo Torres (Ecuador) – A journalist investigating drug trafficking and corruption.

11. "Ali" Totakunov (Kyrgyz Republic) – A reporter known for bold anti-corruption reporting.

2024: A New Generation of Integrity Defenders

As the world continues to grapple with corruption, ten more anti-corruption champions were recognized on December 9, 2024:

1. Jorge Mora Cortes (Colombia) – A prosecutor leading groundbreaking corruption investigations.

2. Matrika Dahal (Nepal) – An activist ensuring transparency in public service delivery.

3. Altin Dumani (Albania) – A legal professional enforcing anti-corruption laws.

4. Srbuhi Galyan (Armenia) – A judge known for her integrity in upholding the rule of law.

5. Carl Irani (Lebanon) – An auditor improving financial accountability in government agencies.

6. Marr Nyang (The Gambia) – A youth leader advocating for fiscal transparency.

7. Javier Enrique Caraballo Salazar (Panama) – An attorney general prosecuting high-profile corruption cases.

8. Didar Smagulov (Kazakhstan) – An activist leading campaigns against bureaucratic corruption.

9. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo (Uganda) – A satirist and academic highlighting corruption through art and education.

10. Sevinj Vagifgizi (Azerbaijan) - A reporter, journalist and political prisoner.

A Legacy of Courage and Integrity

The Anti-Corruption Champions Award has become a beacon of hope in the fight for transparency, integrity, and good governance. From investigative journalists exposing high-profile scandals to legal professionals ensuring justice prevails, these individuals remind the world that corruption is not inevitable—it is a battle that can be won.

Their courage sends a powerful message: No matter the obstacles, the fight against corruption must continue.

As we move forward, the stories of these champions will inspire future generations to take a stand, ensuring that integrity triumphs over corruption.

A Call to Protect the Philippines: PMPI Condemns Maharlika Investment Corporation’s Backing of Destructive Mining Project

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The Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI) is raising a strong objection against the Maharlika Investment Corporation's (MIC) recent decision to fund a gold and copper mining project in Kalinga province. This move, which aligns government-backed financial resources with an industry notorious for environmental destruction and social displacement, blatantly contradicts the principles of sustainability and responsible governance that the MIC was supposedly established to uphold.

A Misaligned Investment

Created through Republic Act 11954, the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) was designed to drive economic growth and support sustainable development. However, instead of directing funds toward truly progressive sectors such as renewable energy, climate resilience, infrastructure, and social services, the MIC has chosen to invest in mining—an industry long associated with irreversible ecological damage, human rights violations, and minimal economic contribution.

Mining remains one of the most environmentally destructive industries, contributing significantly to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and water contamination. Additionally, its economic benefits are disproportionate to the damage it inflicts, as it contributes minimally to national revenue and employment while exploiting natural resources that should be safeguarded for future generations.

It is deeply alarming that taxpayers’ money—hard-earned by Filipino citizens—will be funneled into a sector notorious for social exploitation, displacement of indigenous communities, and long-term ecological harm.

The Harsh Reality of Mining in the Philippines

The Philippines has a grim history with large-scale mining operations. Numerous cases have documented how mining companies have bypassed the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) process, a fundamental right of indigenous peoples under the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA). Many mining projects have led to:

Massive deforestation and loss of biodiversity

Forced displacement of indigenous and rural communities

Soil and water contamination due to toxic waste and heavy metal pollution

Increased risk of disasters such as landslides and flooding

The loan agreement between MIC and Makilala Mining Company is not just a financial decision—it is a direct threat to the Philippines’ fragile ecosystems, indigenous communities, and national climate commitments.

A Direct Contradiction to Climate Goals

This mining project undermines the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) commitment to increasing forest cover by 3 million hectares by 2028 and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Deforestation: Mining sites require clearing vast areas of land, leading to the loss of thousands of old-growth trees. These forests are crucial carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The process of soil extraction releases methane, a greenhouse gas 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide. This further accelerates global warming.

Water Contamination: Toxic waste from mining operations pollutes rivers and groundwater sources, affecting both human populations and wildlife.

As the world faces a climate emergency, the Philippine government cannot afford to support projects that contribute to environmental degradation and climate instability.

A Dangerous Precedent for Environmental Defenders

Communities resisting mining operations often face intimidation, harassment, and even violence. According to the 2022 Global Witness Report, the Philippines remains one of the deadliest countries for Environmental Human Rights Defenders (EHRDs)—with 11 out of 16 killings in Asia occurring in the country.

If the government continues to support destructive industries, it further endangers environmental advocates and local communities, silencing those who fight to protect the land, water, and rights of marginalized groups.

PMPI’s Call to Action

PMPI strongly condemns the MIC’s decision to finance this mining project and urges immediate action to halt the misuse of public funds for environmentally destructive activities. We demand:

Immediate withdrawal of MIC’s financial support for Makilala Mining Company

 and other environmentally harmful projects.

Greater transparency and accountability in the allocation of the Maharlika Investment Fund, ensuring that investments prioritize sustainable industries.

Upholding the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, respecting their autonomy over ancestral lands.

Strengthening environmental policies to prevent further ecological destruction and promote genuinely sustainable economic growth.

The Philippines must choose a development path that values people and the planet over profit. There is no justification for prioritizing short-term economic gains at the expense of our country’s natural heritage, climate resilience, and the well-being of future generations.

Join the Movement

PMPI calls on all concerned citizens, environmental advocates, and policymakers to speak out against this reckless decision. The fight for environmental justice requires collective action—now more than ever.

#PMPI #ProtectOurLand #RejectDestructiveMining #MaharlikaForThePeople

Olympic Council of Asia Reveals 11 Esports Titles for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games

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The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has officially announced the 11 esports titles that will be featured in the 20th Asian Games, set to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in 2026. This decision, made during an Emergency Executive Board meeting on February 22, 2025, marks another milestone in the integration of esports into mainstream competitive sports.

Esports made its debut as a demonstration event at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games and was later included as an official medal event at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games. Now, with its continued presence in the 2026 edition, esports is cementing its place as a key part of the Asian Games sports program.

The 11 Esports Titles for Aichi-Nagoya 2026

The OCA has curated a diverse selection of games, ensuring representation across different genres such as fighting, strategy, first-person shooters, racing, and mobile esports. The approved titles are:

Competitive Martial Arts (Team Competition) (One medal event only)

Street Fighter Series

Tekken Series

King of Fighters Series

Pokémon Unite

Honor of Kings

League of Legends

PUBG Mobile – Asian Games Version

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

Identity V – Asian Games Version

Naraka: Bladepoint

Gran Turismo 7

eFootball Series

Puyo Puyo Champions

Breaking Down the Selection

Fighting Games Take Center Stage

For the first time, the Asian Games will introduce a Competitive Martial Arts (Team Competition) category, featuring legendary fighting games such as Street Fighter, Tekken, and King of Fighters. These games have long histories in competitive gaming and are expected to bring fast-paced, high-intensity action to the tournament.

MOBA and Strategy Games Continue to Dominate

The inclusion of League of Legends, Honor of Kings, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang highlights the continued dominance of Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games in the esports world. These titles are among the most-played games globally, attracting millions of viewers in major tournaments.

Battle Royale, Horror, and Tactical Play Get a Spot

PUBG Mobile – Asian Games Version makes a return, continuing the Battle Royale legacy from the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games. Meanwhile, Identity V – Asian Games Version, a horror survival game, will bring a fresh, strategic twist to the competition.

Racing, Football, and Puzzle Games Represented

Gran Turismo 7, the only racing game on the list, is set to deliver a highly realistic driving simulation experience. eFootball Series, previously represented by the Pro Evolution Soccer franchise, maintains esports’ football gaming presence. Meanwhile, Puyo Puyo Champions, a fast-paced puzzle game, adds variety to the lineup, appealing to a different segment of the gaming audience.

The Growing Influence of Esports in the Asian Games

The inclusion of these 11 esports titles underscores the OCA’s commitment to expanding esports on an international scale. With esports continuously growing in popularity, its recognition as an official medal event ensures that top-tier players from Asia will have the opportunity to compete at the highest level.

What This Means for Esports in the Olympics

The success of esports at the Asian Games could pave the way for its future inclusion in the Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been closely monitoring esports' development, and its continued presence in the Asian Games only strengthens its case for full Olympic recognition.

Conclusion

The 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games is shaping up to be another historic moment for esports. With a mix of fighting, MOBA, battle royale, strategy, and racing games, the competition is set to attract millions of viewers worldwide. As esports continues to break barriers, the Asian Games will remain a crucial platform for its growth and legitimacy in the world of sports.

Stay tuned as teams begin their road to Aichi-Nagoya 2026, where the best esports athletes in Asia will battle for gold!