Transparency in national budget require digitization
October 12, 2020In the recent virtual town hall discussion organized by the International Budget Partnership, DLSU Institute of Governance and the Stratbase ADR Institute, it was revealed that the Philippines ranked 61st out of 100 countries in the Open Budget Index, with a raw score of 76/100. This independent survey makes a comparative assessment of countries’ public budget accountability based on transparency, oversight and public participation, which is then reviewed by anonymous experts and subject to rigorous cross-checking.
Despite the overall improvement in the Philippines’ ranking, and a raw score of 74, there is still much need for improvement and citizen-led vigilance. Given the massive public funds mobilized in this time of pandemic, it is imperative that we uphold our government with utmost transparency and accountability. We now have a base foundation of data, but this must be effectively communicated to the consuming public with the cooperation of civil society organizations and the academe to build a culture of public accountability.
A key solution to this matter lies in the accelerated digital transformation of society. Solutions such as AI-assisted audits and digital information portals need heightened support from the public and private sectors. Investment in digital solutions that will promote a transparent government – with less human intervention making less red tape, will ultimately lessen possible corruption. This may only be done if government supports the strengthening of our digital infrastructures. The private-sector players within our telecommunication industry have already committed to invest and build robust and wide-reaching networks, the government must in turn reciprocate with all-out support in legislative action and investment.
Sound and fair policies hastened permitting processes, and allocation of sufficient public funds will drastically speed up not only our connectivity, but our nation’s recovery from the pandemic crisis caused by the Wuhan virus.
As CitizenWatch Philippines calls for government support to our telecommunication industry, it also decries the hasty and unsafe allowance of Chinese telco entries that threaten data integrity and national security.
Every Filipino citizen yearns for a lawful society run by an honest and trustworthy government. A transformed Philippines with a better government will cultivate a conducive business environment that will create more jobs, revive economic activities and promote the welfare of Filipino consumers. Let us continue to improve on our political system through the adoption of technology that will aid in upholding transparency and accountability.
CitizenWatch Philippines calls for continued transparency, public accountability, and inter-sectoral partnerships to build a future-proof Philippines.