Press Release
May 30, 2014

Villar cites GCG role in making sure GOCCs operate for public interest

Sen. Cynthia Villar cited the role of the Governance Commission for Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GCG) in providing "check and balance" in the operation of GOCCs.

Villar made this statement when she was Guest-of-Honor during GCG's flag-raising ceremony recently.

Villar, also chairperson of the Senate Committee on Government Corporations and Public Enterprises, said as of latest count, there are 116 GOCCs that are currently being monitored by GCG, which they intend to reduce to 100 through abolition, privatization or merger.

Included in the list of abolished agencies are the National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR) and Zamboanga del Norte Rubber Estate Corporation (ZREC), which Villar recommended to be abolished as chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food because of its role in the alleged misuse of the pork barrel fund.

"I know GCG conducts regular sector-wide evaluation of GOCCs based on financial viability and relevance to current national development plans," she said.

The Nacionalista Party senator recalled that during the public hearing she conducted to review the mandate, powers and responsibilities of the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), GCG Chairman Cesar Villanueva said there is a need for a "true development plan" that does not only take into account the technical or economic feasibility of a reclamation project but also the interest of the public.

"I believe the essence of good governance is in the check and balance that we provide each other. In the process, we uphold the national or public interest over and above all other interests," Villar said.

Villar admitted that despite the abolition of corporations and the planned privatization of the others, challenges and issues confronting GOCCs are still numerous.

"The GCG and the Senate can cooperate towards sustainable growth and good governance in the government corporate sector," Villar said.

She added that her committee will work hand-in-hand with GCG to oversee GOCCs just in case there are loopholes, inconsistencies, issues and shortcomings.

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