Sorsogon, Bicol

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SORSOGON CITY – Members of different sectors here met recently to discuss the need to consolidate their on-going efforts to address public transparency and accountability issues by forming their own citizen action group.

Taking part at the introductory meeting with CANA October 25 at Una Pizzeria were officials and members of Bicol Today, Media Solutions, Sorsogon College of Criminology, Perete and Demate Law Office, Bayan Sorsogon, Department of Education/Sorsogon National High School, Rotary Club, Federation of Senior Citizens Inc., Busina media, and Holy Name Society.

“Advocacy is our priority. Prevention [of corruption and abuse] is better than cure,” said Ed Balasta of the Rotary Club here. But while investigating on and reporting transparency and accountability issues about one’s local government is key, citizen action groups should also set parameters, taking into account the safety and security of the people, he said.

Lawyer Egbert Demate said initiating the formation of citizen action groups for accountability is interesting, but he would is more concerned on the legal aspects, for instance whether citizen action groups could file complaints against erring local government officials and legal support to those who may face counter-complaints.

After several hours of deliberation, the participants agreed to form and commit themselves to their own citizen action group called Sorsogon Initiative for Local Accountability in Governance (SILAG). Incidentally, silag is also a local fish which has a transparent body.

They envision the group to help empower citizens for a transparent and accountable government. Transparency and accountability issues remain very critical in their community, they said. These include the need for information on LGU expenditures, review of contracts, appointments, and lack of services for the marginalized sectors, among others.

SILAG will have a follow-up meeting on November 2 to discuss group structure, priorities and campaigns for the coming months.