This is an excerpt from an article originally published at International Anti-Corruption Conference written by Ayee Macaraig and posted in September 4, 2015. Transparency policies and practices were discussed by different participants, including Mayor Eric Constantino of Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro.
The event is actually the 16th International Anti-Corruption Conference which is also part of United Nations – Habitat.
Here’s the part where Mayor Eric Constantino explained his administration’s policy which he is implementing in the local government of Abra de Ilog:
Civic Participation
Abra de Ilog Mayor Eric Constantino said that the participation of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the budgeting process was key to eliminating corruption in his locality.
Constantino cited the program of Philippine President Benigno Aquino III called “bottom-up budgeting” that involves CSOs in determining the projects and programs that communities need. The groups also help monitor implementation.
The Filipino mayor said the program was an alternative to the old, graft-prone process of funding local projects. The previous system led to a massive corruption scandal exposed in 2013, leading to the imprisonment of three senators and other lawmakers.
“The traditional way of getting local projects in the Philippines was largely culled from the recommendations of members of Congress. These are not just unresponsive but also irrelevant to people in the grassroots. When congressmen prescribe programs at the local level, they choose the contracts, and bribery and corruption took place,” he said.
According to Constantino, with the new system, more stakeholders are involved, including indigenous people who make up 40% of his municipality’s population. “They become more comfortable in joining the process, and voice out their concerns.”
Another positive initiative is the implementation of the anti-red tape act. The law requires a citizens’ charter that identifies the officers responsible for permits and documents, his or her responsibilities, and the timeframe for the papers’ release.
“The anti-red tape act prescribes that only five minutes are spent for the issuance of a clearance. Otherwise, the official becomes liable.”
Abra De Ilog 