There is evidence that the best way to improve the management of public finances is through budget systems that are transparent, open to public engagement and scrutiny, and that have robust oversight institutions and mechanisms. Launched in 2006 by the International Budget Partnership, the Open Budget Survey (OBS) is the world’s only independent, comparative, and fact-based research instrument to measure these essential aspects of governance and accountability: transparency, oversight and public participation.   

A country’s budget transparency score, reflected on the Open Budget Index, assesses the public’s access to information on how the central government raises and spends public resources. The survey is not an opinion poll or a measure of perceptions; rather, it is based on a rigorous objective methodology subject to independent peer review. The survey results are based on a questionnaire of 228 questions that is completed by researchers typically based in the surveyed country. Each country’s completed draft questionnaire is also reviewed by an anonymous independent expert, as well as a representative of the country’s government.  

As a follow-up to the panel entitled, “Key Opportunities for Governance Reform”, from Pilpinas Conference 2022, the Stratbase ADR Institute, in partnership with the La Salle Institute of Governance and the International Budget Partnership, organized a public presentation of the results of the 2021 Open Budget Survey, which was held on 1 December 2022, Thursday, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Manila Time) at The Verdure, 4/F Henry Sy, Sr. Hall, De La Salle University – Manila, and livestreamed via Zoom and Facebook. 

Program

Welcoming Remarks
Br. Bernard S. Oca FSC
President, De La Salle University

The 2021 Open Budget Survey: Global Results
Ms. Suad Hasan
Program Officer, Open Budget Initiative,
International Budget Partnership

The 2021 Open Budget Survey: How did the Philippines Score?
Dr. Francisco A. Magno
Professor, Political Science and Development Studies,
De La Salle University

Message from the Secretary of Budget and Management
Hon. Amenah F. Pangandaman
Secretary, Department of Budget and Management (DBM)

Discussion

Hon. Rolando U. Toledo
Assistant Secretary, Department of Budget and Management (DBM)

Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit
President, Stratbase ADR Institute

Mr. George T. Barcelon
President, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)

Open Forum

Closing Remarks
Dr. Ador R. Torneo
Director, La Salle Institute of Governance

Moderators

Dr. Ruth Angelie P. Cruz
Assistant Dean, External Affairs and Lasallian Mission
DLSU Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business

Mr. Ian Jayson R. Hecita
Assistant Professorial Lecturer
DLSU Political Science and Development Studies Department