The Open Government Partnership (OGP) stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of President Benigno Aquino III's administration in the Philippines. Under President Aquino's leadership, the Philippines became one of the eight founding members of the OGP in 2011, demonstrating a significant commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen participation.
It was launched on September 20, 2011, at the United Nations General Assembly by eight founding governments: Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Norway, the Philippines, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
More than a decade after the Philippines’ commitment to this global platform, the country continues to leverage the OGP towards domestic programs and policies on public service delivery.
Objectives of the OGP
The OGP was established to provide an international platform for domestic reformers committed to making their governments more open, accountable, and responsive to citizens.
The partnership encourages member countries to create and implement action plans that make their governments more inclusive and transparent.
President Aquino’s initiative to constitute the OGP with co-founding countries bolstered his domestic commitment to combat corruption, advance transparency, increase public participation, and improve public service delivery.
By cooperating with like-minded reformers, the administration was able to tap relevant expertise and learn from open government practitioners from all over the world. The establishment of the Open Government Partnership represented a significant milestone among public sector reformers and long-time advocates of good governance.
Cabinet-level Priority
The Cabinet Cluster on Good Governance and Anti-Corruption (GGAC), chaired by President Aquino himself, functioned as the administrative house for the country’s implementation of OGP activities.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), led by Secretary Florencio Abad, functioned as the secretariat to GGAC and point-of-contact with the OGP. This streamlined the Philippines’ global commitments to OGP with the day-to-day delivery of domestic programs on anti-corruption, transparency, and citizen participation.
Inaugural Activities and Achievements
One of the most notable achievements under the OGP framework was the implementation of the Philippine government's Full Disclosure Policy. Implemented by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the FDP mandated that all local government units (LGUs) disclose their budget and financial documents to the public. This policy aimed to enhance transparency and accountability by making critical financial information accessible to citizens. Local governments were required to post their budgets, expenditures, procurement plans, and other financial documents on their official websites and in public places. This transparency initiative empowered citizens to monitor government spending, detect irregularities, and hold their local officials accountable, thereby fostering a culture of openness and good governance at the grassroots level.
Another critical initiative was the development of the Budget ng Bayan website, which provided the public with detailed information about the national budget, including allocations, expenditures, and fiscal policies. The website allowed citizens to track government spending, understand budget priorities, and engage in informed discussions about fiscal management. By making budgetary information accessible and understandable, the Budget ng Bayan website demystified government finances and encouraged greater public scrutiny and participation.
The country's commitment to transparency and accountability was further demonstrated through the Citizens Participatory Audit (CPA) project initiated by the Commission on Audit (COA). This project involved civil society organizations in auditing government projects, ensuring that public resources were used effectively and efficiently. By conducting participatory audits of infrastructure projects, such as flood control systems and health centers, the CPA project allowed citizens to actively participate in oversight processes.
Another notable initiative was the Aquino administration's Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) program was designed to strengthen grassroots participation in local planning and budgeting. By 2015, all local government units (LGUs) were required to develop Local Poverty Reduction Action Plans (LPRAPs) in collaboration with community-based organizations. This participatory approach ensured that the voices of the marginalized were included in decision-making processes. The program identified priority projects for poverty reduction, which were then funded and implemented. This initiative not only empowered local communities but also fostered greater transparency and accountability in how public funds were allocated and used, ultimately contributing to more effective local governance.
Then, there's the Open Data initiative, which was a significant step towards enhancing transparency and accessibility of government information. The initiative led to the creation of the Open Data Portal (data.gov.ph), which centralized datasets from various national agencies into a single, easily accessible platform. By 2014, over 1,200 datasets were published, surpassing initial targets. These datasets included crucial information on government finances, public services, and other vital statistics, all presented in open and machine-readable formats. The portal also featured dashboards and visualizations to help users understand and engage with the data. This initiative promoted greater public scrutiny, informed decision-making, and increased civic participation by making government data more transparent and accessible to all.
For a comprehensive look at all the country's open government initiatives, from the Aquino administration until today, you may visit DBM's dedicated OGP Philippines website.
Champions in DBM and Throughout the Civil Service
The endurance of the country's open government programs and its continuous engagement with the OGP is a credit to reformers in the Department of Budget and Management and civil servants across implementing agencies.
Their willingness and expertise serve as a guiding light that transparency, citizen engagement, and accountability remain as central tenets in the public service. These dedicated professionals have worked tirelessly to ensure that the open government reforms initiated under by President Aquino and DBM Secretary Abad are sustained and built upon, even amid changing political landscapes.
Looking forward, the continued support and innovation from these reformers will be crucial in addressing new challenges and further enhancing the transparency and efficiency of the government.
Open Government as a Liberal Imperative
The legacy of President Noynoy Aquino's liberal government and its commitment to the Open Government Partnership continues to resonate in the Philippine bureaucracy. While challenges remain, the progress made during Aquino's administration serves as a reminder of what can be achieved through a steadfast commitment to liberal democratic values.
By remaining engaged in this global partnership, Filipinos can benefit from a valuable platform towards a more transparent, accountable, and participatory government.