Caucus of Development NGO Networks

21/09/2026

On the 54th Martial Law Commemoration, CODE-NGO honors the brave Filipinos who stood against tyranny and injustice, dedicating their lives to the fight for freedom and democracy.

We also honor the vital role of civil society — the organizations, communities, and citizens who continuously defend our democratic values and safeguard our civic spaces against repression and abuses.

For protecting democracy is not confined to the past. It is carried out every day through collective action, vigilance, and the courage to speak up for human rights and truth.

In times of challenge, the unity and strength of civil society remain our nation's strongest shield.

21/09/2026

Independent CSOs, meaningful participation, stronger local governance!

On September 17, representatives from 19 local groups gathered for the CSO Forum of the City of San Fernando–Human Rights Action Team to strengthen citizen participation in local governance.

Catherine Basallote and Timothy Salomon of CODE-NGO discussed meaningful CSO participation and stronger LGU-CSO collaboration. The importance of active CSO participation in local special bodies and councils while preserving their independence and freedom to speak, propose solutions, and stand up for their communities was also emphasized.

The Commission on Human Rights Region III also shared insights on human rights, digital rights, and online security.

A seat at the table. A voice in decisions. The freedom to take a stand.

21/09/2026

HAPPENING NOW: As the Asian Development Bank (ADB) marks 25 years of partnering with Civil Society Organizations (CSO), CODE-NGO joins the ADB CSO Insights: Listening & Dialogue Forum running from September 21 to 22, 2026 at ADB Headquarters and online via Zoom.

Represented by Advocacy Program Officer Atty. Mack Hale Bunagan and intern Jusmine Franco, CODE-NGO is at the forum championing good governance and resilience advocacies particularly the locally-led climate action.

Together with fellow CSOs, we are reflecting on a 25-year of collaboration and driving discussions on how ADB can:

🌱 Promote inclusive growth and sustainable development
⚖️ Protect human rights across all funded and supported projects
💬 Ensure meaningful community consultation and accessible grievance redress mechanisms.

Together, we continue to defend civic spaces and amplify community voices in development!

21/09/2026

💡 𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗠𝗢𝗢𝗘 - 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲𝘀

Salaries are covered—but how do agencies actually run day-to-day? Meet MOOE.

Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) covers the budget for operating expenses of government agencies other than personnel services. This includes supplies, utilities, travel expenses, communication costs, repair and maintenance, training, and other day-to-day operational needs required to deliver public services.

Think of MOOE as the fuel that keeps government running including electricity for hospitals, gas for patrol cars, paper for permits, maintenance for school buildings. Without MOOE, even the best-paid employees can't do their jobs.

But MOOE is also where inefficiencies hide. Overpriced supplies, unnecessary travel, and questionable trainings often end up here. That's why vigilant oversight matters.

What government office do you think needs more MOOE or less? Tell us! ⚡

18/09/2026

The 2027 National Budget Must Be Shaped by the People and for the People

CODE-NGO calls on Congress and the President to deliver a budget that guarantees:

📢 People’s voices in budget decisions. Meaningful participation from the first hearing to the bicameral conference.

🔍 Public funds under public scrutiny. Less discretionary spending. Stronger safeguards. No office above accountability.

⚖️ Resources for rights and accountability. Adequate funding for the CHR, COA, and Ombudsman to protect people and hold power to account.

Pondo ng bayan, pasya at kapakanan ng mamamayan. Bawat piso, dapat may pananagutan.

Every peso must deliver for communities. Every spending decision must withstand scrutiny.

📌 Read CODE-NGO’s full statement below.

18/09/2026

14/09/2026

Walang tagong dagdag. Walang lihim na bawas. Badyet na bukas. Badyet ng taong-bayan.

CODE-NGO calls for meaningful CSO participation throughout the bicameral deliberations on the 2027 national budget—with timely access to documents and opportunities to scrutinize changes and submit recommendations before ratification.

Past controversies show why: the 2024 budget included a ₱26.7-billion AKAP allocation reportedly absent from both chambers’ third-reading versions and a ₱450-billion increase in unprogrammed funds that a bicam member said was not discussed on the final day of deliberations.

Transparency must go beyond livestreaming—every budget change must be open to public scrutiny.

🎥 Peoples' Budget Review with Civil Society Organizations (House of Representatives | 08 September 2026)

14/09/2026

💡 𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗣𝗦 - 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀

Ever wondered how much of the national budget actually goes to the people who serve you?

Personnel Services (PS) refers to the budget allocation for salaries, wages, allowances, bonuses, and other personnel benefits of government employees. It covers all compensation-related expenditures for permanent, temporary, contractual, and casual personnel in the civil service.

PS is often the biggest chunk of an agency's budget—because at the end of the day, public service runs on the people who deliver it. Teachers, healthcare workers, police officers, and civil servants all rely on PS for their livelihoods.

PS is largely fixed. You can't easily cut salaries without hurting service delivery. That's why budget discussions often focus on MOOE and CO instead.

Do you think government employees are paid fairly? Sound off below! 🧑‍🏫👩‍⚕️

13/09/2026

Happy birthday to our Board of Trustees Treasurer, Sir Elvin Ivan Uy!

The CODE-NGO family is deeply grateful for your dedicated service, steady leadership and responsible stewardship of our organization’s resources. Your generous sharing of time and expertise strengthens our work and helps us remain accountable to the communities we serve.

May the year ahead bring you good health, renewed strength, abundant blessings, and many meaningful moments with your loved ones.

Happy birthday, Sir Elvin, and thank you for all that you do for CODE-NGO!

Happy birthday to our Executive Director, Elvin Ivan Uy!

The PBSP family is grateful for your steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment to building a better country. May the year ahead bring you good health and many blessings as you continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.