For Engr. Uymatiao: Can you please give your insight sir ---- In a city that prides itself on being progressive and transparent, why do ordinary citizens still have to rely on leaks, rumors, or Facebook exposés to learn how their money is spent—rather than clear, timely disclosures from City Hall itself?

The first panel on transparency and accountability is now happening. The first question is: What are the top concerns the city should address for civic leaders? 

For Engineer Greg Uymatio Jr, it’s governance. Msgr Chirstian Durango, says courrption. Women’s rights activist Shamah Bulangis says gender-based violence, especially involving expats, is a top concern. 

For Me

Good afternoon! I have a question for Engr. Uymatiao: How often do politicians with familial ties to construction companies take advantage of building projects by inflating costs? If this occurs, why are there few consequences or measures to mitigate these types of contracts?

Hello @here! Pia will open the Q&A session in a while. If you have questions/concerns for our speakers, feel free to send them here!

This is not a question. This is a comment. Dumaguete is a small town - people know each other personally. No one wants to stand out for fear of judgment and criticism. So the majority keep their heads down, uninvolved, unengaged. Its very hard to rally anyone because of this local culture.

This question is for the panel. 

Should Dumaguete adopt stronger open-data or digital governance systems to reduce corruption?

Regarding red tape:
In early January. the Vice Mayor and the city council invited the City Engr's Ofc or CEO to explain several concerning matters. The Vice Mayor himself said, "I don't want your office to be known as the most _______." He ended his statement that way.
The CEO is notorious for red tape. Our own concern took 7 years before finally seeing light early this year which may be attributed to the shakedown received from the mayor's office.

This did not need to happen. 1. A 2013 city ordinance that touched on zoning also contained a provision where people can avail of a variance or exemption should the CEO find something in their application to be unacceptable. And yet, hardly any of the cases applied for this because the CEO almost always presented themselves as the sole authority to decide on variances.

2. Each govt agency is required to post a citizen's charter in their office or their website. The CEO has all its procedures, steps, contact persons, etc posted online. However, a procedural analysis performed on their published procedures showed that the processes were flagged as high risk for red tape because most steps were not digitalised yet and required face to face encounters with the agency's personnel; raising the need for a personnel's discretion and a risk for "pampadulas".

Agree with Teacher Mel.

Does anybody from the panel have any experience with availing of the provisionanof the Anti Red Tape Law requiring the 3-7-20 days within which to either grant or deny any application before any govt. Agency.

Renz, your city website is not updated. the BOSS page still lists the Mayor as Ipe Remollo

A petition was filed before the Supreme Court on Thursday, February 5, questioning the constitutionality of a Manila ordinance that significantly increased garbage fees for businesses in the city.

The petition, filed by private individual Barry Tayam, argues that the 1,200 percent hike in garbage fees constitutes "an ultra vires act, asserting that the power to tax and impose fees must not be exercised in an arbitrary, oppressive, or confiscatory manner."

The petitioner also asked the Supreme Court to issue a temporary restraining order against the implementation of the ordinance. Read more about Manila's garbage fee hike @here https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/manila-garbage-fee-hike-business-impact-2026/

BAM AQUINO OUT! BONGBONG MARCOS IN! 🌸
PBBM and Mayor Isko at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila!

ISKO-BBM SAKALAM!