Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo said today (Monday) that the Department would introduce governance reforms in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), which he described as the  “weakest linkâ€Ã‚  of the country.
 
Robredo said the support of local government officials and other concerned sectors in the region would be tapped in implementing meaningful reforms that would improve socio-economic conditions.
 
“ARMM seems like the weakest link in the Philippines, as there are problems in criminality and terrorism. It is yet to be developed. It is yet to reach its full potential,” he said.
 
He said ARMM could take the first step towards development through abiding by President Benigno S. Aquino’s policy of transparency and accountability in governance.
 
“Local government units (LGUs) should fully disclose their financial transactions, such as procurements, budget and bidding. We have started this in other LGUs of the country, and it would be very good if ARMM will do the same,â€Ã‚ he said.
 
He lauded the present administration of ARMM for espousing transparent, accountable and moral governance.
 
The World Bank has recognized the current ARMM regional government for its implementation of infra and socio-economic projects.
 
Robredo said there should be better interaction and engagement between the public and the regional government of ARMM.
 
“These changes should start with the regional government, before we move down to the governments of its provinces, cities and towns,â€Ã‚ he said.
 
He said he had sought clearance from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process in opening the lines of communication between the Department and those involved in the peace process.
 
“We would like to listen to those who want to talk. While talks will be unofficial and will not form part of the negotiations, what is important is that we should open all channels of communication with them,â€Ã‚ he said. ###