Since popping up on the national political scene in 2016, President Duterte has enchanted and created a following with his populist rhetoric and strongman leadership. At the same time, however, his administration has also been criticized for the lack of strong institutional bureaucratic mechanisms.

Fast forward to 2020, the country is in the middle of an economic and health crisis, and the Duterte Administration has mobilized billions of pesos to respond to the crisis. Consequently, policymakers are looking at allocating even more for programs and projects meant to strengthen the public health system and reboot the economy.

For these government initiatives to be effective, we need stronger institutions that can uphold transparency and accountability in the government’s post-pandemic response. Civic engagement in responding to the crisis and participation in the policy process is at the heart of democratic states. Adherence to open governance for transparency in the use of public funds and the accountability of government officials are utterly important as well.

The health crisis has caused concern over undue and hard-pressed intimidations against oversight mechanisms; as political shortcuts in the guise of “emergency powers to implement the COVID-19 response” become favorable for undemocratic practices. More so, democratic continuity and institutional reforms and the promotion of a resilient procurement system in a sensible regulatory landscape are the crucibles for Philippine democratic values.

In this regard, Stratbase ADR Institute, in partnership with Democracy Watch Philippines and Transparency International-Philippines, held a multi-sectoral virtual roundtable discussion entitled, “Transparency and Accountability: Regaining Public Trust through Democratic Governance”, earlier today.

The vRTD focused on the whole-of-society solutions, transparency, accountability and the importance of democratic governance in regaining public trust as the country marches forward with its post-pandemic recovery.

Program

Introduction
MR. FRANCESCO “PACO” A. PANGALANGAN
Executive Director, Stratbase ADR Institute;
Lead Convenor, Democracy Watch Philippines

Welcoming Remarks
PROF. DINDO MANHIT
President, Stratbase ADR Institute

Perspectives from the Government

HON. CONCHITA CARPIO-MORALES
Former Ombudsman;
Former Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the Philippines

Perspectives from the Academe

DR. SHERWIN ONA
Chairperson, Political Science Department, De La Salle University;
Non-Resident Fellow, Stratbase ADR Institute

DR. RONALD MENDOZA
Dean, Ateneo School of Government

DR. FRANCISCO MAGNO
Trustee and Program Convenor, Stratbase ADR Institute;
Senior Fellow, De La Salle Institute of Governance

DR. ADOR TORNEO
Director, De La Salle Institute of Governance

Perspectives from Stakeholders

MR. COCO ALCUAZ
Executive Director, Makati Business Club and Integrity Initiative, Inc.

JUDGE DOLORES “DOLLY” ESPAÑOL
Chairperson, Transparency International – Philippines

MR. JOSE SOLOMON CORTEZ
Former Executive Director, Integrity Initiative, Inc.;
Project Coordinator, Business Integrity PACTS (Partners for Accountable, Clean, Transparent, and Sustainable enterprises), UNDP Philippines

MS. JESSICA REYES-CANTOS
President, Action for Economic Reforms