Manila: The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance transparency and further the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP) 2026 Agenda.

According to Philippines News Agency, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida and Budget Secretary Kim Robert De Leon led the ceremonial signing, marking a significant step towards inter-agency collaboration on July 2. This MOU commits both departments to intensify their partnership to implement and monitor their respective OGP undertakings. The aim is to ensure public institutions are more open and responsive to the needs of the Filipino people.

Justice Secretary Vida emphasized the importance of public trust, highlighting that it is not only built through sound policies but also through genuine partnerships with civil society, academia, local governments, development partners, and the communities they serve. This sentiment was echoed during the ceremony following the 2nd Quarter PH-OGP Steering Committee meeting. At the meeting, representatives from national government agencies and civil society organizations discussed strategic priorities and evaluated the progress of existing OGP commitments.

The Open Government Partnership (OGP), established in 2011, is an international initiative that includes participation from over 70 countries, 150 local governments, and numerous civil society organizations. Its mission is to promote reforms that support transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance.

Joining Vida and De Leon at the signing were key officials including Justice Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez, DOJ Planning and Management Service Director Vanya Ysabel Maneja-Kharazmi, and PH-OGP Project Management Office Director Glenn Miranda.