By Chino S. Leyco, April 16, 2024; Manila Bulletin
https://mb.com.ph/2024/4/16/four-lg-us-join-global-anti-corruption-alliance
Four local government units (LGUs) from the Philippines have been accepted into the global partnership that focuses on promoting transparency, fighting corruption, and strengthening governance.
In a statement on Tuesday, April 16, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said that Tagbilaran (Bohol), Larena (Siquijor), Quezon City, and Baguio City are now members of the Open Government Partnership (OGP).
Pangandaman, who also serves as the chairman of OGP-Philippines, noted that these four LGUs have now joined the initiative, following the acceptance of South Cotabato and Borongan into the group in 2018 and 2020, respectively.
Among the benefits of joining the OGP is the impetus it brings to strengthen civil society participation in local planning and development to further improve LGU delivery of basic services.
“I am happy that OGP is now present in NCR [national capital region], Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao! This is a big boost to our campaign for open governance,” Pangandaman said.
“I look forward to working with you in making our government more open, transparent and accountable,” she added.
The Philippines is one of the eight founding countries of the OGP along with Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Norway, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Aside from national governments, since 2016, the OGP Local program has opened membership to local governments for initiatives promoting the values of OGP that are even closer to the people.
Pangandaman also initiated the institutionalization of OGP last year.
Open government in the Philippines has been gaining momentum with the backing of no less than our President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr. who issued the landmark Executive Order No. 31, s. 2023 institutionalizing OGP,” Pangandaman explained.
“With this EO, we are able to provide a solid policy and legal framework to ensure that the open government principles are embedded in programs and policies in all branches of government.” the budget chief concluded.
