President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent call for the courtesy resignations of all Cabinet secretaries has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation. Without a transparent, data-driven performance evaluation system, such a sweeping move appears arbitrary and politically motivated rather than a strategic effort to enhance governance.
Imagine a scenario where the government employs a state-of-the-art digital metrics system—a real-time dashboard that objectively measures each department’s performance. This system would track key indicators such as budget utilization, project completion rates, digitalization progress, public service satisfaction, and citizen complaints. With such a tool, the President could make informed decisions based on concrete data, eliminating the need for mass resignations. The dashboard is visible online for public consumption.
In the corporate world and private sector, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are standard practice, enabling organizations to assess performance and make data-driven decisions. The Philippine government has access to skilled IT professionals and system designers who could develop and implement a similar system. However, the continued reliance on opaque processes and personal connections undermines accountability and efficiency.
It’s important to note that initiatives like the E-Gov app and the National ID system were introduced during the Duterte administration. While the current administration has continued these programs, they remain incomplete and underutilized. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), responsible for digital transformation, has yet to deliver fully functional and integrated systems that enhance transparency and service delivery. We could only wonder if this is even on DICT’s roadmap during this administration.
A comprehensive performance metrics system would have provided clarity and justification for any Cabinet reshuffle. The public would have access to real-time data showing which departments are underperforming, who is responsible, and what corrective actions are being taken. This level of transparency would build trust and demonstrate a genuine commitment to good governance.
To achieve this, the Office of the President should lead the development of a centralized performance metrics platform accessible to all Cabinet-level departments. This platform should include weekly updates, color-coded status indicators, citizen satisfaction scores, media verifications, and whistleblower reports. Making this information publicly available would empower citizens and promote accountability. What was only an aspiration during the Duterte Administration could become a reality in BBM’s time- granting BBM himself or anyone in his core team would see the significance of having something like this.
Implementing such a system would challenge the entrenched culture of favoritism and complacency. It would shift the focus from personal loyalty to measurable performance, ensuring that public officials are held accountable for their actions and outcomes.
The absence of a robust performance evaluation system suggests a reluctance to embrace transparency and accountability. Without concrete data, decisions like mass resignations appear to be more about political maneuvering than genuine efforts to improve governance.
In conclusion, the establishment of a transparent, data-driven performance metrics system is essential for effective governance. It would provide the necessary tools to assess and enhance the performance of government officials, ensuring that public service is delivered efficiently and equitably. The time for such a system is now, and the responsibility lies with the current administration to make it a reality.
If the DICT cannot spearhead this then the President should find a department that will. Otherwise, another administration will pass us by with no progress achieved towards a more transparent accountability system.
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Rafael “Raffy” Gutierrez is a veteran Technology Trainer with over 25 years of experience in networking, systems design, and diverse computer technologies.
