One of the indicators of quality of governance is “voice and accountability” which measures political, civil and human rights.

A free media is a key ingredient for such but currently clouded with talks of a “chilling effect” during and even after 1017. Freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are likewise key ingredients but again clouded with 1017 and the questionable arrests of Randy David, Risa Hontiveros, Crispin Beltran, among others, and violent dispersals of rallies, including Women’s Day celebrations, that followed shortly after.

Another indicator of quality of governance is “political instability and violence” which measures the threats to or changes in government.

The restiveness of civil society and calls for the President’s resignation continue as questions regarding alleged wire tapping and alleged electoral fraud remain unresolved issues.

Between 1996-2004 the Philippines had already suffered low ratings in quality of governance (according to a World Bank report released May 2005).

This year’s quality of governance ratings do not look optimistic.

At best this poses uncertainty for the future of development aid to the Philippine government - not just from the World Bank. At worst, a return to the development aid practise during the Marcos dictatorship.


This press statement is part of the ongoing Free 4 All Campaign to keep media free launched last March 3, 2006. The campaign was endorsed by ten (10) women representing the multiple identities of Filipino women.
There are: Cynthia Alexander (multimedia artist), Lina Bacalando (grassroots community leader), Aurora De Dios (academic & former NCRFW chair), Sylvia Estrada-Claudio (doctor, psychologist & academic), Chin Chin Guiterrez (artist & environment advocate), Rina Jimenez-David (columnist), Mavic Diy Lee (homemaker), Erika Sales (student), Olive Tripon (journalist), and Riza Faith Ybañez (lawyer)