CODE-NGO’s STATEMENT ON THE ALLEGED MISUSE OF THE PORK BARREL FUNDS

February 28, 2013, Quezon City – We in the Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO) view with deep concern the Commission on Audit (COA)’s findings on how certain non-government organizations participated in the alleged misuse of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel funds of some senators.  As active advocates of effective, democratic and participatory governance, CODE-NGO upholds and promotes a standard of conduct in development work in the same way that we demand good governance from the government. 

We have also sustained our efforts to help ensure the proper use of the PDAF through our PDAF Watch initiative which we started in 2006.  Coming from these twin efforts of ensuring NGO good governance and the proper use of the PDAF and other government funds, we are truly alarmed at the COA findings.

We call on the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as the executive department, to take extra measures to ensure the legitimacy and accountability of an NGO before approving the release of substantial amount of funds to that NGO.  One way to do this is to require that the recipient NGOs are endorsed by the recognized and independent certification agencies, such as the Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC) and similar bodies.  The PCNC certifies NGOs that have good governance and financial management systems and track record for creating impact to their beneficiaries.

CODE-NGO is a network of 6 national and 6 regional NGO networks with more than 1,600 base organizations nationwide.  We remain committed to the institutionalization of mechanisms that promote accountability, transparency and efficiency among public officials such as the PDAF Watch and the Freedom of Information Act.  We will also continue to ensure the adherence of our member NGOs to our Code of Conduct for Development NGOs.  Good governance with NGOs and the government is crucial for the attainment of our development goals. – 0 – 

For more information, contact:
Gigi Bartulaba, Media Officer, CODE-NGO, +632 9202595, 0915-2410135