Philippines Remains No.1 in Southeast Asia for Budget Transparency

The Philippines secured the top spot in Southeast Asia for budget transparency after the results of the 2019 Open Budget Survey (OBS) were released last April 29, 2020. The country received an Open Budget Index (OBI) score of 76, maintaining its position as the most fiscally transparent country in the region while ranking 10th place worldwide. 

The country’s 2019 OBI score climbed nine notches higher to 76 (out of 100) from 67 in 2017, exceeding the 2019 and 2021 OBI target scores of 67 and 71, respectively, under the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022. A transparency score of 61 and above implies comprehensive, timely and online publication of all eight (8) key budget documents, including the Mid-Year Review, a feat achieved twice by the country since the onset of the OBS.

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