DEC.

2, 2011 DATE

NR # 2605C
REF. NO.

Participatory governance is the key to meaningful development Belmonte

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. on Thursday stressed the vitality of government leading the sustained war against corruption and the pursuit of good governance as potent steps to meet the nations numerous external and internal challenges. This is the role of government. In the fight against corruption and in the pursuit of good governance, it provides political leadership, Belmonte told a forum of members of the Philippine Association for Government Budget Administration (PAGBA), Inc. Belmonte also put emphasis on government and civil society working together towards the overarching goals of improving government credibility and promoting more effective governance. Among the distinguished guest at the forum were Usec. Mario Relampagos of the Department of Budget and Management, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and leaders of civil society as well as other government officials. Citing the continuing European credit crisis and the weakening of the US economy as the leading external challenges facing the country, Belmonte underscored the need for closer cooperation between government and the private sector. Government sets the framework and rules in the context of growth, transparency and accountability. Of course, it is certain that by its own efforts and resources alone, government cannot succeed, the House leader said, He added that government must in all cases promulgate the right policies and implement the right programs to improve government credibility and promote more effective governance. Belmonte cited the necessity of the active participation of the civil society and the private sector which literally acts as an engine of growth, generating income and provides the resources and investments that government lacks. Among other vital concerns, the civil society and the private sector play various roles including those of catalyst, critic, watchdog and advocate, and providing vital goods and services that the people need. Belmonte took the opportunity to mention a host of civil society organizations which work hand-in-hand with government to promote meaningful reforms. They include: the Transparency and Accountability Network; Procurement Watch; and Government Watch. Citing the value of participatory governance, Belmonte noted the active engagement of the various civil society organizations during the preparation of the just approved 2012 national

DEC. 2, 2011 DATE

NR # 2605C
REF. NO.

budget. What does this signify? We in government recognize the value of participatory governance. We welcome the greater participation of our citizens in decision-making and other processes. Our people should not only be treated as beneficiaries of development. They should be treated as agents of development, Belmonte stressed. Mindful of the very vital role of civil society in improving government credibility, accountability and transparency, Belmonte cited several proposed democracy-enhancing measures which would assure their increased involvement in State affairs. At least three bills were mentioned to stress the need to institutionalize CSO participation in governance: 1) HB 3773 an Act institutionalizing the participation of bona fide civil society organizations in budget hearings and deliberations in Congress, in national government agencies and local government units; 2) HB 4225 an Act strengthening the participation of CSOs in the formulation of national, regional and local development plans; and 3) HB 4962 an Act strengthening CSO participation in community development through the institutionalization of one village one product-based programs of the government. Apart from these, we have in the pipeline other measures on improving governance, particularly in the areas of reducing corruption, improving government efficiency and effectiveness, and increasing transparency and accountability in public sector institutions, Belmonte assured. Examples of the said bills are those Amending the anti-Money Laundering Law, Freedom of Information Bill, the Whistleblowers Act, and the Witness Protection and Security Act, Belmonte said. In closing, the House leader said the rapid increase in the number of civil society organizations will certainly strengthen the existing check and balance of government or formal structures and powers. Governance is now found at the union of the state, the private sector and civil society, Belmonte concluded. (30) dpt