News & Events

Government Watch (G-Watch) is currently co-implementing PRO-Health or Promoting Rights Organizing for Health with Accountability Research Center (ARC) in partnership with other partner civil society groups and local governments.

One of the key features of the country’s decentralization is the creation of numerous mandated local participatory bodies meant to advance and institutionalize civil society participation in governance. These are multi-sectoral bodies with powers that range from policy-making to policy oversight to being a consultative platform. However, whether civil society representation in these bodies translates to actual decisions embodying the people’s voice and agenda remains a big question.

PRO-Health or Promoting Rights Organizing for Health is an initiative of Government Watch (G-Watch) with Accountability Research Center (ARC), Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pamilyang Pantawid (SNPP) and Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP), other civil society groups and local governments. 

With the flood control plunder, corruption is once again a key governance issue demanding response and action. All development sectors confront the corruption plague. Education governance is not exempted. 

One of the key takeaways from the recent flood control plunder is that budget allocation without working accountability at all levels – at planning, authorization, implementation and accountability stages – can mean public resources lost to corruption. It is not enough that budget is allocated for services and programs that are crucial, budget advocates need to also ensure that budget allocated are actually implemented according to plan and following key standards critical to the people. 

Effective engagement between government and civil society is key to advancing governance reforms. Historically, civil society in the Philippines has been deemed crucial in governance for its ability to organize citizens for collective actions, identify the gaps and flaws in public decisions and actions and to serve as checks in the exercise of State power.

This 2026, amid the need for louder calls and more resolute actions against corruption, Government Watch (G-Watch) calls on everyone to:Speak Out Against Corruption!Complain about Government Inefficiencies!Feedback on Good Work and New Solutions!

A key feature of the Universal Healthcare Act is the strengthening of the health education and promotion in the country to improve Filipinos’ health-seeking behavior and general awareness of government programs and services on health.

Elections have shown serious weaknesses in holding power to account and in enabling societies to identify leaders well qualified to address crucial issues and problems affecting the people. Yet, elections continue to be a necessary democratic exercise for lack of a viable alternative in collectively deciding on who to rule.

Elections allow citizens to choose duty-bearers who can represent their needs and interests. The electoral process is one of the ways citizens hold government officials accountable for the power and responsibility that are given to them. Decisions made by the elected have long-term implications for the succeeding years, and whoever wins in 2025 will determine the direction the country will take, especially for health, education, and transparency, participation and accountability (TPA).