Cordillera chief execs sign for full disclosure policy

Posted on | Wednesday 15 June 2011 | No Comments

by Lito Dar
Cordillera local chief executives (LCEs) led by Benguet Governor Nestor Fongwan and Apayao Governor Elias Bulut Jr. expressed their support to the Full Disclosure Policy of government being advocated by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) through the signing of a Covenant of Commitment.
In sealing such partnership for transparency and accountability for good governance, DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo led the covenant signing during his “Tapatan Roadshow” for the full disclosure policy yesterday at the Ben Palispis Hall of the Benguet provincial capitol.
Robredo’s Tapatan Roadshow is part of DILG’s reform program dubbed as “Biyaheng Pinoy: Tapat na Palakad, Bayang Maunlad,” which aims to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance at the local level, which is in line with PNoy’s goal of good governance through the “Daang Matuwid.”
Speaking before more than 400 LCEs, local officials, and representatives from the different provinces of Cordillera, Robredo explained that the Full Disclosure Policy is not a new program of the DILG, but is being required by the law as stated in the provision of the General Appropriations Act (GAA). Those being required in the full disclosure is also covered by other existing laws and regulations, such as the Local Government Code and the Procurement Act, he added.
In his response, Bulut expressed his support to the Full Disclosure Policy and lauded the DILG for spearheading such a good program. “This program is not new in Apayao as we are very transparent in what we do in the province. It is good that we show the people, as taxpayers, how we are spending the money and what programs we are spending it for,” Bulut said.
Bulut also called on his fellow officials to take it as a challenge to show the people how the taxpayers’ money are being spent.
On the other hand, Fongwan also stressed his support to the policy and shares the same view with Bulut. “Actually, full disclosure is only about informing the public on what is happening, and on a deeper thoughts, it is about informing them what projects are being implemented and on if the taxpayers money was being properly spent and through the right procedures,” Fongwan said. *(JDP/LD-PIA CAR)

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