In 2000, CODE-NGO created the Commission on Internal Reform Initiatives (CIRI), which established  the mechanism to enforce the Code of Conduct  and strategies for upholding standards of good governance. The CIRI handles the process of addressing any complaint against violations of the Code of Conduct by CODE-NGO member networks and organizations.  The CIRI also campaigns for CSO good governance, including among others, the following:

– Certification of member networks and organizations by the Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC)

– Self-assessment by member networks and organizations using the CODE-NGO Good Governance Checklist

– Inclusion by member networks and organizations of not just legally mandated benefits, but also health and life insurance, as minimum provisions for CSO program and project staff, as part of the strategic thrust on “Caring for NGO Workers”.

Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC)

NGO Accountability Group (NAG)

Internal Reform Initiatives

As a network whose basis of unity is deeply anchored in the Code of Conduct for Development CSOs and in safeguarding the integrity of the CSO sector, CODE-NGO persistently endeavors to uphold good governance among its members through the Commission on Internal Reform Initiatives (CIRI).

For FY 2016-17, the following CSO good governance campaigns were implemented:

Renewal to the Code of Conduct

The network continued to implement its campaign for members to renew Commitment to the Code of Conduct to reaffirm their responsibility to uphold the development principles that led to the formation of the network 26 years ago. On July 31, 2017, 52% of members have already signed the renewal to the Code of Conduct.

 Certification by Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC)

CODE-NGO continued to campaign for PCNC among its members. The network has remained firm in its belief that ensuring CSOs operate within the standards of good governance is key to improving CSO effectiveness in their work and to safeguarding the integrity of the sector. Included in the CODE-NGO campaign is the provision of technical assistance to members in order to achieve this standard of certification.

 Compliance to Good Governance Checklist

CODE-NGO continued to conduct assessment of members that are not yet ready for the certification process through its Good Governance Checklist. This internally crafted tool contains minimum measures for good governance for CSOs under legal status, governance, systems, programs, finance and human resources, and allows members to quickly identify priorities for organizational development. As of July 31, 2017, 529 member organizations have conducted self-assessment using this tool.

On top of these internal campaigns, CODE-NGO has also started reaching out to the sector by conducting an online forum on the role of the CSO Board and Executive Director and has drafted the framework for an enabling government – CSO relationship to ensure that both sectors interact in a healthy and productive manner that is vital for the development of society. The network aims to initiate consultations on this framework in the next fiscal year.

Members of the Commission on Internal Reform Initiatives

(For Fiscal Year 2015-2016)

Chairperson: Aurora Chavez-de Guzman, CBD

Vice Chairperson:   Michael Hojas, CenVISNET

Members:

• Lemia Simbulan, AF
• Jimmy Fong, CORDNET
• Emma Elardo, EVNet
• Joemil Montebon, MINCODE
• Marichelle Candado, NATCCO
• Lilia Orioste, NCSD
• Rene Fortuno, PBSP
• Nestor Carbonera, PHILDHRRA
• Vicky Segovia, PHILSSA
• Emmanuel Areno, WEVNet