Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has joined Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG), a new cause-oriented movement against corruption.
Belmonte is joined by other co-convenors including Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Hataman of Basilan, Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Remollo, Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, and Kauswagan Mayor Rommel Arnado.
Magalong said that good governance needs a “collective effort,” thus the need for a “united front.”
“We need other’s help, and that’s why we are collaborating closely with associations and civil society organizations that are willing to help us,” Magalong said, adding that “they’re getting in touch with us, telling us these are some approaches we need to do, and we’re very open.”
Magalong said the group would also be “working closely with the present administration and with all the national agencies of government” to address corruption and lack of transparency and accountability among public officials.
Since its launch last August, M4GG has garnered support and commitment from 157 mayors nationwide who vowed to advance anti-corruption initiatives and ensure transparency, accountability and innovation in governance.
M4GG also said it is extending its arms to all concerned groups to join the crusade against corruption and promote an innovative brand of governance.
Magalong said the group is not part of the “opposition.”
“We are just an advocate, a movement [for good governance],” Magalong said.
Mayor Eunice Babalcon of Paranas, Samar, an M4GG member, said local governments should be “at the forefront” of the crusade for good governance.
For first-term Mayor Agatha Cruz of Guiguinto, Bulacan, a movement like M4GG allows local officials to raise concerns about implementing government programs.