By Brian Campued
The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is determined to boost the implementation of “open government values” in all local government units (LGUs) across the country in a bid to promote transparency and accountability in public service.
In a press briefing at Malacañang this Thursday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President lauded Memorandum Circular No. 2025-065 issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on July 3, which institutionalizes open government in LGUs.
“Mas mabilis, mas maayos, at mas kapaki-pakinabang na serbisyo para sa mga Pilipino, ito ang gustong makita ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sa lahat ng lebel ng gobyerno,” Castro said.
Based on DILG data as of April 2024, the LGUs that are active members of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) include Baguio City, Larena in Siquijor, Quezon City, South Cotabato, and Tagbilaran City in Bohol.
DILG Sec. Jonvic Remulla directed LGUs to formulate measures in line with open government values to combat corruption, promote digitalization in public service delivery, and open budgetary and financial reporting for public scrutiny, among others.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman likewise expressed support to the DILG circular, as it will help reinforce open and participatory governance to create “a more just, transparent, and empowered society.”
No room for politics in public service, PBBM tells LGUs
In a “meet and greet” with newly elected local chief executives on Wednesday, Marcos stressed the importance of collaboration between the national government and LGUs to ensure effective public service delivery, regardless of their political colors.
This is in line with the administration’s commitment to a “whole-of-government” approach to address key issues and improve the lives of the Filipino people.
According to Castro, the President assured local leaders that his administration will support initiatives aimed at disaster preparedness, peace and order, and digital transformation.
“Muling binigyang-katiyakan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang mga local government officials sa patuloy na suporta ng national government sa lahat ng mga programa ng lokal na pamahalaan—ano man ang kanilang political colors, dahil sa Pangulo, aksiyon ang kailangan at ‘di pamumulitika,” she said. (with report from Clay Pardilla / PTV News)
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