BACOLOD City – To strengthen transparency and accountability in government projects, the Sangguniang Panlungsod is pushing for the approval of an ordinance institutionalizing “open infrastructure” through multistakeholder oversight.
Councilor Celia Flor, proponent of the measure, said the proposed Open Infrastructure and Public Oversight Ordinance of Bacolod City seeks to ensure efficiency, inclusivity, and public access to information in all local infrastructure projects.
Under the ordinance, a Multistakeholder Oversight Group (MSG) will be created to monitor, audit, and provide the public with comprehensive information on government-funded projects.
The MSG will be composed of representatives from the local government, private sector —including accredited business chambers, professional associations, and construction companies — and civil society organizations. Each sector will have equal representation to guarantee broad, independent participation.
the councilor stressed the measure is anchored on constitutional provisions, including the people’s right to information on matters of public concern (Article III, Section 7) and the state’s obligation to adopt a policy of full disclosure in transactions involving public interest (Article II, Section 28).
She added that the Constitution also upholds the right of citizens and organizations to participate in decision-making at all levels and mandates the state to establish adequate consultation mechanisms (Article XIII, Section 16).
If passed, the ordinance would institutionalize a participatory framework in Bacolod City’s infrastructure projects, promoting openness, accountability, and citizen engagement./PN
