A broad coalition of church leaders, government officials, and business groups formalized a new framework on 23 February aimed at tightening oversight on public infrastructure spending and strengthening safeguards on the national budget.

The signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) and a revised Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) brings together Caritas Philippines, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG), and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

The agreement outlines how dioceses across the country will participate in monitoring public works projects, creating a localized mechanism that combines church networks, local governments, and private sector expertise. Supporters describe it as an attempt to institutionalize public accountability rather than rely solely on post-project audits.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the initiative reflects the administration’s push for greater openness in infrastructure spending.

“Transparency is the best disinfectant, and today, we are putting that into practice. President Marcos has been very clear: he is one with the Filipino people in ensuring that every single peso of our national budget goes exactly where it belongs—into projects that are truly needed by our countrymen.

This collaboration with Caritas and the private sector shifts DPWH from a culture of reactive auditing to a mindset of proactive prevention. When the public is part of the process from day one, corruption simply has no place to hide.”

Under the arrangement, Caritas Philippines will mobilize its parish and diocesan network to observe projects on the ground. The DPWH, for its part, will open up project data and processes for community-level scrutiny. Mayors aligned with Mayors for Good Governance are expected to facilitate coordination within local government units, while PCCI members will contribute private sector oversight and policy input.

Fr. Carmelo “Tito” Caluag, executive director of Caritas Philippines, described the signing as more than a procedural step.

“The signing of this IRR is the formalization of a sacred trust. By integrating our diocesan network with technical civil groups’ expertise, we are operationalizing a mechanism that leaves little room for anomaly. It might not be immediately perfect, but it is indeed a powerful beginning. We are ensuring that the ‘People’s Power Movement’ is not just a sentiment, but a structured, nationwide safeguard for our nation’s resources,” he said.

Business leaders also signaled their stake in the initiative. PCCI President Perry Ferrer emphasized that stronger governance benefits both the economy and investor confidence.

“The private sector also has equally a lot at stake because this is our country. So we will do our part, with the best of our knowledge, with the guidance of all private sector representatives, and our partners in government to bring back the strength of the Philippines and the credibility of our country,” Ferrer said.

Organizers say the partnership seeks to prevent misuse of funds before it occurs, rather than address irregularities after projects are completed. By embedding community and business oversight into the early stages of infrastructure planning and execution, the coalition aims to build a more transparent system anchored on shared responsibility.