Source: The National

THE Ombudsman Commission (OC) has directed all MPs to submit their outstanding service improvement programme acquittals in compliance with the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership.

In a notice dated July 15, 2025 published in this paper yesterday, the OC said it was “alarming” that some MPs were yet to submit their district service improvement programme (DSIP) and provincial service improvement programme (PSIP) acquittals to the commission’s head office in Port Moresby, even after a similar notice was issued in February.

Chief Ombudsman Richard Pagen, Ombudsman Tabitha Suwae and acting Ombudsman Kevin Kepore said in a joint statement: “The Ombudsman Commission calls on all Members of Parliament to submit all outstanding acquittal reports for the PSIP and DSIP within six weeks from the date of this publication.

“Therefore. the Ombudsman Commission unequivocally demands that all outstanding PSIP and DSIP acquittal reports be submitted to the Department of Implementation and Rural Development within six weeks from today.

“This final notice applies to all unacquitted PSIP and DSIP funds from previous years, including the submission of all 2024 reports.

“Failure to comply with the existing laws and policies guiding the requirements for acquittals constitutes a breach and can prompt an enquiry under the Leadership Code.

“Copies of the acquittals must be sent to the Ombudsman Commission through its regional offices and its head office in Port Moresby before the deadline.

“It is important that this directive is complied with as non-compliance will result in charges of misconduct in office under Section 23 of the Organic Law of the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership.”