A government watchdog wants candidates in the 2016 elections to adhere to its transparency and accountability campaign by submitting their Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net worth (SALN).
Raul T. Concepcion of Gov’t Watch is also seeking the candidates’ commitment that they will continue the Aquino administration’s good-governance agenda.
Concepcion said the next set of leaders must have “resolve, integrity, love of country and willingness to serve, and, moreover, should make a commitment to continue the reforms began by President Aquino.”
The group added that the next leader “must also be progressive enough to recognize which of those reforms are in need of updating, improvement or abolition in order to conform to the ever-changing economic, political and societal landscape.”
The group urged would-be leaders of the country to promote transparency by submitting their SALN.
The group, likewise, called on the voters to be more discerning in selecting their next leaders.
“As events currently unfold that may be seen as the beginning of jockeying for position in 2016, we appeal to the voting public to be more intelligent and demanding in making a choice. Surveys can provide guidance in making a choice,” Concepcion said.
“We know that good governance is the solution and we know where it is wanting…. We must make the right choice in selecting who next to lead our country,” he added.
Another crucial point in electing future leaders, Concepcion said, is the election process itself. He, thus,
called for a review of the automated election system.
Specifically, the Gov’t Watch urged the government to decide quickly if the Precinct Count Optical Scan machines will be used anew in 2016, or discarded.
“The ultimate foundation of good governance are we, the voters; for the election of our leadership is our responsibility. But, in order to properly elect our leadership, our choices must be made to count. And, for our choices to count, our automated election system must be reformed now,” the Gov’t Watch said.