CSO participation towards governance reforms

On Aug. 23, a multisectoral group of concerned citizens united for a common cause: to fight against corruption, challenge political dynasties, and advocate for electoral reforms. This group, known as the Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan (ANIM), draws its members from various sectors, including religious groups, the military and uniformed personnel, business professionals, youth, women, and civil society organizations.

The ANIM launch is a positive development for Filipinos who support meaningful reforms in Philippine society. ANIM is dedicated to promoting the Philippines' national interests, with the goal of halting the country's further decline and fostering a future of integrity and good governance. Bringing together diverse sectors and uniting them around shared advocacy issues is no small feat. The organizers deserve commendation for their efforts in gathering individuals of national stature who are committed to these causes.

ANIM’s advocacies remain highly relevant today. It is encouraging to see that efforts to advocate for societal reforms continue to emerge from various constituencies, even at the local government level. Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a crucial role in pushing for reforms across multiple dimensions, including economic, political, and cultural issues.

ANIM advocates for three deeply interconnected issues: corruption, political dynasties, and electoral reforms. They form a complex web that shapes the country's political landscape and governance. These factors often reinforce one another, perpetuating a cycle of poor governance, inequality, and economic stagnation.

The 1987 Constitution's anti-political dynasty provision remains unfulfilled, primarily due to its potential to undermine established political families. This has stymied efforts to implement anti-corruption measures and electoral reforms. This has allowed corruption to become deeply embedded in the political system, where politicians use their positions to maintain their grip on power.

The US Department of State's 2024 report on corruption in the Philippines highlights ongoing challenges despite the existence of laws aimed at curbing corrupt practices. The report emphasizes that while legal penalties for corruption exist, weak enforcement allows officials to engage in corrupt activities with relative impunity. Significant delays in prosecuting corruption cases further reinforce this culture of impunity. The report also highlights the underfunding of key anti-corruption institutions, which still effectively collaborate with civil society and the public despite their limited resources.

These findings underscore the persistent issues within the Philippines' anti-corruption framework. Despite the existence of mechanisms, systemic inefficiencies, and inadequate enforcement significantly undermine their effectiveness.

The report also highlights the vital role that civil society organizations play in combating corruption within the government. The United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) Coalition has noted that the fight against corruption is a long-term process requiring deep structural changes to a country’s institutions, including its cultural norms. The Coalition recognizes the essential role of CSOs in this effort, stating that their contributions range from raising awareness and leading prevention campaigns to participating in policy formation and monitoring the implementation of anti-corruption strategies and legislation.

I have long advocated for the crucial role of CSOs in promoting transparency, protecting rights and welfare, and driving national development. The participation of CSOs in governance is a key component of transparency in government functions, especially since the 1986 Philippine Constitution guarantees the promotion and protection of people’s participation at all levels of social, political, and economic decision-making.

We are fortunate in Quezon City to have legitimate CSOs organized under a people's council, which has institutionalized their participation in local governance. Sectoral CSOs with specific advocacy skills participate in the deliberation, conceptualization, and evaluation of city projects. Their involvement in local governance allows them to monitor budget expenditures and track project completion.

However, structural changes are the only way to achieve CSO participation in local governance. In Quezon City, it was the determination of both the CSOs and the local executive that enabled this participation. A shift in the cultural disposition of the people also played a crucial role, allowing them to assert their role as active participants in local governance. People’s participation ensures the sustainability of government programs and aligns them with the needs of the constituents.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has mandated the creation of people’s councils across local government units (LGUs). However, compliance with this directive has been disappointingly low. According to a 2022 DILG report, only two out of 82 provinces have established a people’s council. Similarly, just 13 out of 149 cities and 104 out of 1,489 municipalities have followed suit.

Local and national governments should encourage people’s participation. The Philippines has a rich tradition of vibrant CSO engagement across all sectors, including business, farmers, workers, and the urban poor, among others. The understanding of community and national issues I've encountered from all sectors has always impressed me. I firmly believe that nation-building and national development should not be the sole responsibility of the government, but rather the active participation of the people.

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in the foregoing article are solely the author’s and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the Philippine News Agency (PNA) or any other office under the Presidential Communications Office.