Social Watch Philippines urges voters to elect candidates with proven track record of honesty, transparency, good governance

Electing Integrity 5 Key Insights on Social Watch Philippines' Call to Action

As midterm elections approach in the Philippines, Social Watch Philippines (SWP) is urging voters to make informed decisions at the polls. In this blog post, we'll delve into five essential takeaways from SWP's call to action.

### 1. Demand Accountability and Transparency in Public Funds Management

SWP co-convenor Jessica Reyes-Cantos emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing candidates' commitment to transparent budgeting practices. The recent controversy surrounding the ₱89.9 billion PhilHealth fund transfer debacle serves as a stark reminder that voters must demand better stewardship of public funds.

### 2. Evaluate Candidates Based on Their Voting Records

When evaluating candidates, SWP advises voters to examine their voting records on key issues such as budget and transparency-related bills. This includes reviewing performance in office, public service track record, Commission on Audit (COA) reports for signs of irregularities, Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs), and campaign spending.

### 3. Prioritize Public Healthcare by Electing Candidates Who Invest in Prevention

SWP urges voters to elect candidates who prioritize investments in preventive healthcare, rather than those who reduce health budgets or promote affordable vices like tobacco and e-cigarettes. With tobacco-related diseases claiming over 112,000 Filipino lives annually, it's crucial to support candidates who champion public health.

### 4. Be Vigilant of Attempts to Undermine Public Health Initiatives

SWP criticizes the recently passed Sin Tax Sabotage Bill in the House of Representatives, which threatens to weaken sin tax revenue and reduce healthcare funding by lowering tobacco product prices. Voters must be aware of such attempts to undermine public health initiatives.

### 5. Elect Candidates Who Champion Transparency and Good Governance

SWP calls on voters to elect candidates committed to transparent budgeting processes, as reflected in the passage of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill and institutionalization of citizen participation in budget processes.

In conclusion, Social Watch Philippines' call to action highlights the importance of electing leaders who prioritize honesty, transparency, and good governance. By evaluating candidates based on their voting records, commitment to public healthcare, and stance on issues like sin tax sabotage, voters can make informed decisions that benefit the country's development.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.