by: Jerome Paunan
MANILA, (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday highlighted the Philippines’ commitment to government transparency and digital reform during his keynote address at the 2025 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting held in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
Speaking before international delegates, Marcos emphasized recent legislative achievements, including the passage of a new Government Procurement Act in 2024, which he described as “the biggest anti-corruption law in modern times.”
The law modernizes the country’s procurement system and mandates the disclosure of data throughout the procurement process, with civil society organizations participating in oversight.
“We want every budget allocation, policy decision and program implementation to involve public participation,” Marcos said, underlining his administration’s focus on participatory governance.
The Philippine president pointed to several initiatives, including the launch of a Public Financial Management Reforms Roadmap for 2024-2028, which aims to fully digitalize the bureaucracy.
The government has also enhanced its electronic procurement system, known as PhilGEPS, allowing agencies to purchase supplies and vehicles online.
Marcos noted that the Philippines, one of eight founding members of the OGP in 2011, has expanded its stakeholder network to include 4,000 local government and civil society organizations through a nationwide campaign called “OG Pinas.”
The meeting marks the first time the Philippines has hosted the regional OGP event, with Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman serving as the country’s OGP chairperson.
Around 900 people attended the event, where close to 400 are international delegates, including national ministers from Armenia, Indonesia, Maldives, and Papua New Guinea. The event will run until February 7.
The OGP has 150 members from the local government, including the four cities of Tagbilaran, Muntinlupa, Baguio and Quezon City here in the Philippines. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
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