Robredo's Relentless Full Disclosure Campaign

QUEZON CITY, May 17 2011 – The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) goes full force in its drive for transparency in the operations of all local government units through steadfast full disclosure campaign, deriving inspiration from P-Noy's campaign mantra, "Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap"(No corruption, no poverty).

DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo said he has established mechanisms to measure the performance of every local government, saying they are expected to be “matino at mahusay” (on the right path and better performers). “Ito ang magbabago ng ugali ng local na pamahalaan (These will change the attitude of the local government),” he said.

Among the measures he presented is the Full Disclosure Policy (FDP), requiring all LGUs “to post their budgets and finances, bids, and public offerings in government websites and newspapers of general circulation, and in conspicuous places within their localities.”

The Local Government Code of 1991 provides the legal basis for the implementation of the FDP. The Law’s Section 352 stipulates the requirement for the posting within 30 days from the end of each year in at least three publicly accessible and conspicuous places in the LGU a summary of all revenues collected and funds received including the appropriations and disbursements of such funds during the preceding fiscal year.

Also, Republic Act No. 9184, known as the Government Procurement Reform Act, calls for the posting of the Invitation to Bid, Notice to Proceed, and Approved contract in the procuring entity’s premises, in newspapers of general circulation, the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the procuring entry.

Robredo warned that non-compliant LGUs may face administrative charges. He also hinted that its third party-partners can also verify the performance and the disclosure compliance of these LGUs. If found lacking, the corresponding charges maybe authored by these watchdogs.

In its release, DILG highlighted the importance of the FDP. It says, it will make people aware of how much public funds are available for the development of communities and the extent of help that LGU can give. Likewise, this will keep people informed on how public funds are allocated and spent. It will also minimize, if not totally prevent, corruption and misuse of funds. FDP is also intended to promote transparency, accountability, and good performance in government financial transactions.

As prescribed the following documents and transactions are required to be posted by LGUs: Annual Budget of the current calendar year; Quarterly Statement of Cash Flows; Statement of Receipts and Expenditures of the previous calendar year; Trust Fund (PDAF) Utilization; Special Education Fund Utilization; 20% Component of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) Utilization; Gender and Development Fund Utilization; Statement of Debt Services; Annual Procurement Plan or Procurement list; Items to Bid; Bid Results on Civil Works, and Goods and Services; and Abstract of Bids as Calculated.

Robredo was the guest of honor of the Communication and News Exchange (CNEX) forum today at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA). (Domingo B. Natividad,PIA-NCR/ RJB/ DBNV)