Philippines Shocks the World at Dubai Summit with Bold Governance Reforms – Here’s What You Missed!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

​The World Governments Summit (WGS) 2025, held from February 11 to 13 in Dubai, served as a pivotal platform for global leaders, policymakers, and experts to convene under the theme "Shaping Future Governments." The Philippines, demonstrating its dedication to progressive governance, made a notable impact through the active participation of its delegation, particularly the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).​

Philippines' Commitment to Effective Governance

Secretary Ernesto V. Perez, Director General of ARTA, represented the Philippines at the Ministerial Round Table on "Effective Governance for Crisis Resilience." In his address, Secretary Perez emphasized the nation's proactive measures in establishing resilient governance structures capable of withstanding crises, including natural disasters and health emergencies.​

Digitalization as a Pillar of Resilient Governance

Central to Secretary Perez's discourse was the transformative role of digitalization in governance. He highlighted several key initiatives:​

Electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS): A platform streamlining business registration processes, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and promoting ease of doing business.​

Philippine Business Regulations Information System (PBRIS): A centralized repository providing accessible information on business regulations, enhancing transparency and compliance.​

ARTA Regulatory Management Information System (ARTEMIS): A system designed to monitor and manage regulatory processes, ensuring efficiency and responsiveness in public service delivery.​

These digital platforms have collectively enhanced service efficiency and bolstered the government's preparedness in crisis situations.​

Collaborative Efforts with Civil Society and the Private Sector

Secretary Perez underscored the significance of collaboration between the government, civil society, and the private sector in enhancing adaptability and resilience. Regular inspections and assessments of government agencies have been instituted to ensure adherence to regulatory reforms, thereby strengthening the overall crisis response framework.​

Ensuring Continuity of Public Services

In addressing the continuity of government operations during crises, Secretary Perez discussed the implementation of:​

Public Service Continuity Plan (PSCP): A strategic framework ensuring that essential government functions remain operational during emergencies.​

Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs): Policies allowing for adaptable work setups, ensuring that public services are uninterrupted regardless of circumstances.​

He emphasized that while national policies provide the overarching structure for disaster resilience, local government units (LGUs) are pivotal in executing effective response measures on the ground.​

Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships

Public-private collaboration remains a cornerstone of ARTA's strategy. In 2024, the ARTA Champions program expanded to include 26 new members, notably the American Chamber of Commerce, the British Chamber of Commerce, and GCASH. Initiatives such as Paspas Pilipinas and PinasBilis have been instrumental in accelerating government service delivery through targeted digital capacity-building efforts.​

Legislative Advancements: The Public-Private Partnership Code

A significant milestone highlighted by Secretary Perez was the enactment of Republic Act No. 11966, known as the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code of the Philippines. Signed into law on December 5, 2023, this legislation unifies previously fragmented legal frameworks governing PPPs, clarifies the approval processes for national and local projects, and establishes a predictable tariff regime that safeguards public interest. The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for this act were published on March 22, 2024, and became effective on April 6, 2024. ​

International Cooperation: Philippines and UAE Memorandum

On the sidelines of the WGS 2025, the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on February 11, 2025. This agreement focuses on cooperation in the improvement and development of government activities, reflecting a mutual commitment to enhancing public service delivery and governance practices. ​

A Vision for the Future

Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., the Philippine government remains steadfast in its pursuit of institutional reforms and innovation. Secretary Perez reaffirmed ARTA's dedication to fostering excellence in public service, promoting transparency, and ensuring efficient service delivery. The nation's active engagement in platforms like the World Governments Summit underscores its commitment to collaborative efforts in shaping future-ready governance systems.​

Statement of Manay Leila M. de Lima On the Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

There was a time when the Filipino people, unarmed and unafraid, stood together and faced down a dictator. They did not march for power, nor for personal gain. They marched for truth, for justice, for the right to live in a country where no man—no family—would hold the nation hostage ever again.

The EDSA Revolution was not a myth. It was not a mistake. It was a moment of collective courage, a moment when Filipinos proved that democracy is not just an idea—it is a fight. A fight that must be waged again and again, in every generation, because tyranny never truly disappears. It merely waits, repackages itself, and returns.

I know this because I have lived it. I was imprisoned for 2,454 days, locked away for crimes I did not commit, because I dared to confront the powerful. I know what it means to have your rights stripped away. I know what it means to be silenced, demonized, and left to rot by a government that believes it can act with impunity. But I also know what it means to resist—to hold on, to fight back, and to prove that they can jail a person, but never the truth.

That is why, on this anniversary of EDSA, I do not ask Filipinos to simply remember. Memory alone is not enough.

I ask you to recognize that our fight is not over.

We are once again being asked to forget. To look away as history is rewritten, as our institutions are hollowed out, as those who orchestrated suffering are not only welcomed back into power—but celebrated. We are being asked to tolerate impunity, to move on from the crimes of the past, and to accept a future dictated by dynasties and tyrants.

I refuse. And I ask you to refuse with me.

So today, as we mark another year since we reclaimed our freedom, I call on every Filipino: Reject fear. Reject lies. Reject complacency.

Choose courage. Choose action. Choose to fight—again, and always.

The spirit of EDSA is alive in every Filipino who refuses to bow to oppression. As long as there are those who stand, those who speak, and those who march, EDSA is not just history—it is the future we will claim, together.

Tuloy ang laban. Tuloy ang EDSA. Para sa hustisya. Para sa katotohanan. Para sa Pilipino. 

Fact Check: Did the U.S. Really Name Duterte an Anti-Corruption Champion? The Truth Will Shock You!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

​The claim that former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was recognized by the U.S. Department of State as one of its International Anti-Corruption Champions is false. There are no credible sources supporting this assertion. In fact, a fact-check by Rappler in 2020 debunked similar claims, clarifying that Duterte was not among those honored by the U.S. Department of State for anti-corruption efforts. ​

During Duterte's tenure, the Philippines experienced a decline in its ranking on Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index, dropping from 101st in 2016 to 115th in 2020. Additionally, Duterte's administration faced significant criticism for alleged human rights violations and extrajudicial killings associated with his anti-drug campaign, leading to an investigation by the International Criminal Court. ​

Given these circumstances, it is unlikely that the U.S. Department of State would recognize Duterte as an anti-corruption champion.​