TO DAP OR NOT TO DAP And that is the question... DBM Sec. Butch Abads presentation on the Development Acceleration Program ( DAP ) in Rockwell Makati yesterday was almost convincing! The embattled former LP congressman from Batanes explained the process and rationale, argued its legality beyond constitutionality, and the benefits of DAP to the nation and people with finesse and intelligence. The mostly pro-administration and business sector crowd practically cheered in chorus extolling DAP as an innovative approach in public finance management and the vision of its proponents. Some panelists did speak with an undertone and caveat on certain points raised; namely Mike Varela of PCCI on the proximity of DAP and PDAF, former AIM Dean Eduardo Morato and Ms. Sherisa Nuesa of FINEX on various nuances of the program. A ringer was tactfully delivered by Constitutionalist Christian Monsod citing the significance of broader sectoral representation for better metrics among other issues. It was nice to see a handful of millionaire activists in the motley crowd, apparently digesting detailed information deemed useful in determining the ethical intricacies, and the final verdict on DAP and its proponents. Muted courtesy was the appropriate decorum for a pleasant morning. Two things became apparent in yesterdays Rockwell meet: Butch Abad seem convinced he is doing the right thing for the new Aquino administration and the nation, and is known to be a good guy by the predominantly yellow crowd. But some without mincing a word now have reservations including this former trouble maker in the old Cory Aquino administration. One thing that I give credence to in the two hours long DAP presentation and forum is the Public Finance Reform ( PFM ) reform agenda. Unfortunately, the crowd sorely missed in appreciating the subject matter as the ultimate solution to recurring problems arising from the nations flawed system of governance due to heavy technical details. Public Finance Management ( PFM ) A fully implemented PFM system will improve fiscal efficiency, transparency and accountability in the entire spectrum of public funds management, the gist of national governance. It will plug the loop holes in revenue and depository, budgetary/allocation, implementation and audit functions, making the system of governance more efficient and resistant to corruption. Its a win-win solution that should have been prioritized for completion and operationally institutionalized by the administration. The extra constitutional impoundment mechanism of DAP would have not been necessary to improve fund utilization and program management efficiencies. PFM would have been an excellent tool to curtail certain corrupt practices in the bureaucracy, which Sec. Abad mentioned himself. A new standard of governance would have ensued since the PFM reform agenda started in late 2009, and officially embraced by the new Aquino administration in early 2011. From our end in the Empowered Peoples Initiative and Reform Movement Alliance ( ePIRMA ), we shall strive to craft and pass a law to institutionalize a comprehensive Public Finance Management ( PFM ) reform agenda through peoples initiative. This is consistent with our goal to contribute our humble share in helping improve the quality and standard of governance in the Philippines. Regardless of political color or affiliations, this we must accomplish in the name of good governance and equitable progress for our country and people.
Posted on: Thu, 31 Jul 2014 02:11:45 +0000
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