The Sorsogon City Experience on Anti-Corruption

Mayor Sally A. Lee Sorsogon City, Philippines Land Area: 275 sq.kms. Population: 168,110 (2015 Census) Est. 2017 Population: 173,000 Sorsogon City Growth Rate: 1.78%

Key Economic Activities: Agriculture, Fishing, Trade, and Services

Development Thrust

Develop Sorsogon City…

-as an alternative sub-regional center for Bicol region and administrative, commercial, and educational center for the Province -as an agricultural production center -as an alternative tourism destination Vision A life-loving city of healthy, empowered, and resilient Sorsoganons in a livable, competitive, and sustainable environment in an Core Values inclusive and humane governance. • Excellence • Integrity • Teamwork • Stewardship • Justice • Spirituality

Mission Ensure a transparent and responsive governance with participation of all sectors to improve the quality of life in Sorsogon City Citizen’s Charter • A tool of empowerment and governance, declares what the city can offer and the standards by which it will be delivered; • Resulted in more effective and efficient delivery of basic services – transparent and accountable governance; • Reduced the abuse of discretion – reducing the opportunities for graft and corruption

The public must be accorded the highest degree of service possible: service that is paramount of quality, and one that is effective, compassionate and humane. Citizen’s Charter • A tool of empowerment and governance, declares what the city can offer and the standards by which it will be delivered; • Resulted in more effective and efficient delivery of basic services – transparent and accountable governance; • Reduced the abuse of discretion – reducing the opportunities for graft and corruption

The public must be accorded the highest degree of service possible: service that is paramount of quality, and one that is effective, compassionate and humane. Local Initiatives • On Participatory Governance • Participation of Civil Society Organizations in Local Special Bodies • Local Development Council, Local Health Board, Local School Board, Peace and Order Council, Gender and Development Council and others • Involvement of NGOs/CSO in monitoring of development projects • Project Monitoring Committee, Project Monitoring Unit • On Transparent Governance • Communicates to the public through • Radio/tv programs, Forums • Posting of transactions in Transparency board and billboards • Newsmagazine (Rompeolas), City website • Peoples Day (every Wednesday) • Private sector representation in public biddings (BAC) • Business One Stop Shop • Automation of transactions • On Accountability • Financial accountability • Available management tools and financial reports • COA audit observation and memorandum, annual audit report • Posting of financial statements in billboards and website • Erring employees made to settle unauthorized cash advances and/or resign (2 in 2005, 3 in 2010- falsification of documents) • Cash advances of employees are required to liquidate at determined duration

• Feedback mechanisms • Suggestions/Comment Box • Radio and local TV programs (with calls texts on feedbacks) • Legislative TV programs (aired sessions) • Text blast for announcements • Masa Masid (Citizen’s Watch)

• Presence of Information office and PWD assistance at the main entrance National laws on Anti-Corruption

• Anti - Red Tape Act (Republic Act No. 9485) • to improve efficiency in the delivery of government service to the public by reducing bureaucratic red tape, preventing graft and corruption, and providing penalties • Government Procurement Act (Republic Act No. 9184) • Prescribes the necessary rules and regulations for the modernization, standardization, and regulation of the procurement activities of the government • Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA No. 3019) • to repress certain acts of public officers and private persons alike which constitute graft or corrupt practices or which may lead to it • Civil Service Rules and Regulations • Defines the duties, responsibilities, and accountabilities of public officials and employees • Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of Government Officials and Employees (RA No. 6713) • to promote a high standard of ethics in public service. Public officials and employees shall at all times be accountable to the people and shall discharge their duties with utmost responsibility, integrity, competence and loyalty, act with patriotism and justice, lead modest lives, and uphold public interest over personal interest” • Local Government Code (RA No. 7160) • Provides local autonomy to local government units to enable them to develop as self-reliant communities Constraints and challenges

• Long procurement process • Minor audit observations needing compliance • Disinformation/political adversaries on media • Sustaining what we have achieved

We do not hesitate to confront challenges, whether they be personal or political. It can be said that we thrive on challenges Sorsogon City Home of High Value Pili and other Agriculture and Marine Products

Vision A life-loving city of healthy, empowered, and resilient Sorsoganons in a livable, competitive, and sustainable environment in an inclusive and humane governance. Mission Ensure a transparent and responsive governance with participation of all sectors to improve the quality of life in Sorsogon City Thank you