Today, the Philippines ranks at the top—number one in government budget transparency in all of Asia according to the 2018 Open Budget Survey which is the World’s only independent and comparative measure of government budget transparency. Out of a score of 100, the Philippines scored 67—the global average is just 42.
Think about that for a second.
Our great nation the Philippines which has been known (throughout the World and locally) and ravaged by government corruption for decades now sits at the top as the most transparent nation in Asia.
On the Department of Budget and Management website, taxpayers can seamlessly find what, where, and how much will be spent on each government department, agency, province—you name it. It is truly amazing and fascinating how thorough and transparent the Philippine Government has become. President Duterte ran for president on the policy and stance that he would make significant changes in the country. Whether you agree with President Duterte’s policies or not—we can all agree that he has undoubtedly stuck to what he said he was going to do.
But it’s not just in government where changes are occurring—things just seem and feel different around here—its cleaner and safer. I recently arrived from the U.S. and the international airport has remarkably improved—it no longer looks or smells of third world. As I was approaching the dreaded immigration line, to my surprise, the lines weren’t that long as each kiosk had an official stationed and ready to greet each international traveler. It was pleasantly efficient.
These details within our country’s systems and procedures are astonishing—it no longer takes months to open up and register your business—red tape is becoming a thing of the past (for most industries). People are no longer allowed to smoke in public places. Littering has seemingly become extinct (well, for central business districts for the most part).
I liken the country’s growth to our traffic problem. We are slowly getting to where we need to be, but we’re making progress—we’ll eventually get there. Progress takes time—it doesn’t happen overnight—trust the process. Although it can be painstakingly slow, Rome wasn’t built in one day. It is just incredibly important that we don’t get off the path we are
currently on towards our destination to greatness.
Less talk, more action—more results.
