Two Zambales towns already transparency compliant - DILG

Even before the launching of the first Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) “Tapatan Roadshow” last week, the agency’s provincial office in Iba, Zambales announced that two of the province’s 13 towns are already fully compliant of the agency’s Full Disclosure Policy.

The DILG launched “Tapatan Roadshow on Full Disclosure Policy” in Clark, Pampanga last week in adherence to President Benigno S. Aquino III’s call to tread the straight and narrow path of transparency aimed at minimizing, preventing, and completely ridding the government of graft and corruption.

DILG Zambales provincial director Flordeliza Trinidad said that the Municipality of Iba, a first class municipality, and 4th class San Felipe were the first to comply with the directives of the agency.

She also said that the rest of the towns and the provincial government are “partially compliant” and “probably need some adjustments to fully comply with their directives.”

Iba Mayor Adhebert Deloso, meanwhile, thanked DILG for recognizing their efforts in following the requirements of good governance.

He said that the municipal government is doing its best in support of PNoy’s anti-corruption campaign.

The DILG is resolved to implement its full disclosure campaign for all local government units in its push for the realization of the Aquino administration’s focus on having a government of “Kung Walang Corrupt, Walang Mahirap” (No Corruption, No Poverty).

DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo said he has established means to measure the performance of every local government, saying they are expected to be “matino at mahusay” (on the right path and better performers).

“Ito ang magbabago ng ugali ng lokal na pamahalaan (These will change the attitude of the local government),” he said.

Among the measures he presented was the Full Disclosure Policy (FDP), requiring all LGUs “to post their budgets and finances, bids, and public offerings in government websites and newspapers of general circulation, and in conspicuous places within their localities.”

The Local Government Code of 1991 provides the legal basis for the implementation of the FDP.

Section 352 requires the posting within 30 days from the end of each year in at least three publicly accessible and conspicuous places in the LGU a summary of all revenues collected and funds received, including the appropriations and disbursements of such funds during the preceding fiscal year.

Also, Republic Act No. 9184, known as the Government Procurement Reform Act, calls for the posting of the Invitation to Bid, Notice to Proceed, and Approved Contract in the premises of the place of the buyer, in newspapers of general circulation, the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS), and the website of the buying.

Robredo warned that non-compliant LGUs may face administrative charges.

He also hinted that its third party-partners can also verify the performance and the disclosure compliance of these LGUs. If found lacking, the corresponding charges maybe authored by these watchdogs. (by Allen M. Villa/PIA Zambales/ with report from PIA Central Office)