Accountability, transparency key to good governance - Belmonte

MANILA, Philippines - Accountability and transparency are keys to good governance, according to Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.

Belmonte said corruption continues to gnaw at institutions and hamper reform efforts.

The Speaker spoke at the launching yesterday of the “Temasek Foundation: Policy, Governance and Capacity Building Program for Philippine Leaders and Educators (PGCB Program)” at the Ateneo de Manila University.

“Corruption in government transactions has remained high. The Philippines, based on UN estimates, is the fourth most corrupt among 16 Southeast Asian countries,” Belmonte said.

The situation, he said, indicates “our massive failure in the past in at least two governance indicators – in the areas of accountability and transparency.”

“As the World Bank found early on, without good governance, economic growth will have little impact on poverty,” Belmonte said.

With lack or absence of “understanding of governance or its indicators, government officers and leaders will find it difficult to assume their proper role in the efficient management and use of the country’s resources.”

“The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific enumerate at least eight major characteristics of good governance: it must be participatory, accountable, transparent, consensus-oriented, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive, and follows the rule of law,” he said.

The Temasek Program is under the auspices of the Temasek Foundation, Singapore and the Ateneo de Manila University in partnership with the Speaker, the Department of Education and various local government units.

Belmonte also stressed the importance of sustained exchanges and cooperation between and among government institutions, academe and the private sector in the molding of leaders and educators whose capabilities should be matched with integrity.

The Temasek initiative is a three- to five-year program designed to directly benefit 625 senior-level education officials and master trainers and 5,400 Math, English and Science teachers from 400 schools in 13 participating divisions and districts.

Other prominent personalities and guests at the launching were Benedict Cheong, chief executive officer, Temasek Foundation; Singapore Ambassador Ampalavanar Selverajah, and representatives from the Department of Education and local government units.