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Dec2.2011 - C Participatory Governance Is The Key To Meaningful Development - Belmonte
Dec2.2011 - C Participatory Governance Is The Key To Meaningful Development - Belmonte
2, 2011 DATE
NR # 2605C
REF. NO.
NR # 2605C
REF. NO.
budget. What does this signify? We in government recognize the value of participatory governance. We welcome the greater participation of our citizens in decision-making and other processes. Our people should not only be treated as beneficiaries of development. They should be treated as agents of development, Belmonte stressed. Mindful of the very vital role of civil society in improving government credibility, accountability and transparency, Belmonte cited several proposed democracy-enhancing measures which would assure their increased involvement in State affairs. At least three bills were mentioned to stress the need to institutionalize CSO participation in governance: 1) HB 3773 an Act institutionalizing the participation of bona fide civil society organizations in budget hearings and deliberations in Congress, in national government agencies and local government units; 2) HB 4225 an Act strengthening the participation of CSOs in the formulation of national, regional and local development plans; and 3) HB 4962 an Act strengthening CSO participation in community development through the institutionalization of one village one product-based programs of the government. Apart from these, we have in the pipeline other measures on improving governance, particularly in the areas of reducing corruption, improving government efficiency and effectiveness, and increasing transparency and accountability in public sector institutions, Belmonte assured. Examples of the said bills are those Amending the anti-Money Laundering Law, Freedom of Information Bill, the Whistleblowers Act, and the Witness Protection and Security Act, Belmonte said. In closing, the House leader said the rapid increase in the number of civil society organizations will certainly strengthen the existing check and balance of government or formal structures and powers. Governance is now found at the union of the state, the private sector and civil society, Belmonte concluded. (30) dpt