Local gov’t execs told to disclose use of public funds or else…

MANILA, Philippines—Governors and mayors who do not comply with the government’s full disclosure policy may face charges of mismanagement of public funds, Interior Secretary Jesse M. Robredo warned Tuesday.

Speaking before a group of local chief executives in Iloilo City, Robredo said provincial governors and city and town mayors should find nothing wrong with the policy if they “are not hiding anything from their constituents.”

“Naturally, if they won’t make public their financial transactions, their constituents would suspect them of being involved in irregularity,” Robredo said.

The text of his speech was released by his office in Manila.

He said local executives should not resist complying with the full disclosure policy since this is just a tool to help them improve their credibility and improve the outcome of the delivery of government services at the same time.

“To the incumbents), this FDP policy will serve you well. Being transparent and accountable officials will enable you to muster your constituents’ support and getting the votes later,” Robredo said.

The full disclosure policy, or FDP,  was formulated in keeping with the Constitution, which guarantees the people’s right to information, and was based on the Local Government Code, the 2010 General Appropriations Act, and issuances by the Commission on Audit.

It requires local government units to post their budget and finances on their websites, in print media and conspicuous places in their areas.