CIG Delivers Lecture on Philippines’s Progress Towards Good Government

March 13, 2025

Speakers and attendees pictured together at the end of the event

MANILA (Philippines), 13 March 2025 — The Chandler Institute of Governance (CIG) co-organised an event anchored on the Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI), in partnership with the Eastern Regional Organisation for Public Administration (EROPA). The CGGI is an annual Index, developed and published by CIG, that measures the capabilities and effectiveness of 113 governments around the world.

Held at the University of Makati Auditorium, the event was attended by around 300 government leaders and officials, and scholars of public administration from the Philippines. Leveraging the CGGI framework, CIG discussed the Philippines’s performance relative to peer countries in the region and beyond, as well as the trends associated with its performance in the Index over the last four years. In doing so, the event offered perspectives on the Philippines’ strengths and opportunities for progress.
Some of the key insights include:
  • The Philippines’ score in the CGGI has improved slightly between 2023 to 2024.
  • Notwithstanding this, its overall rank fell to 67th in 2024, from 58th in 2021. This was partly due to the inclusion of several new countries in the Index in 2024, some of which performed better than the Philippines.
  • Relative to peer countries, including those in the region, the Philippines has performed better in the pillars for Strong Institutions and Financial Stewardship. However, there are opportunities for improvement in other areas, such as Leadership and Foresight, and Global Influence & Reputation.

CIG’s Managing Director (Strategy and Research), Mr. Kenneth Sim, shared insights and perspectives on Philippines’ performance over the last four years of the CGGI

The lecture was followed up with presentations by Secretary Ernesto Perez, Director General, Anti-Red Tape Authority, and Asst. Comm. Judith A. Dongallo Chicano, Assistant Commissioner for Professionalisation and Cooperation Civil Service Commission, who discussed the insights arising from the data, in the governance context of the Philippines. This included the Philippines’ government’s plans and strategies in attracting, retaining and developing talent in the civil service, building a culture of integrity and in improving ease of doing business in the country.

(Left) Secretary Ernesto Perez, Director General, Anti-Red Tape Authority; (Right) Asst. Comm. Judith A. Dongallo Chicano, Assistant Commissioner for Professionalisation and Cooperation Civil Service Commission sharing their perspectives

The Open Forum was moderated by Dr. Alex Brillantes, Secretary General, Eastern Regional Organization for Public Administration (EROPA); and Professor Emeritus, National College of Public Administration and Governance, University of the Philippines

The speakers also participated in an interactive discussion with participants, reaffirming the importance of having internationally comparable metrics to celebrate achievements and to spark honest discussions on opportunities for improvement.

Dr. Ederson Tapia, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, University of Makati; and President of the Philippine Society for Public Administration, giving his opening remarks

Opening the event, the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, University of Makati; and President of the Philippine Society for Public Administration, Dr. Ederson Tapia highlighted the importance of having practical tools, such as the CGGI, to measure government effectiveness:

“We gather today not merely to engage in another conversation about governance. We gather to confront the fundamental question of our time – how do we measure the true strength of our nation?

The CGGI provides an important lens through for which we assess governance, measuring foresight and leadership, resilience of institutions, and the ability of government to uplift people’s lives. A well-governed nation creates conditions for intellectual flourishing.”
Dr. Ederson Tapia
Vice-President for Academic Affairs, University of Makati; and President of the Philippine Society for Public Administration

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About the Chandler Institute of Governance (CIG)

The Chandler Institute of Governance (CIG) is an international non-profit organisation, headquartered in Singapore. We believe in a world where citizens have a deep sense of trust in their governments and public institutions, and where nations are governed by principled, wise leaders supported by an effective civil service. Trust and effective governance serve as a strong foundation for national development and prosperity. CIG supports governments in building government talent, leadership and public service capabilities through training programmes, research initiatives and advisory work. We are not affiliated with any national government or political party, and we do not represent any partisan or commercial interests.

For more news and information, visit https://www.chandlerinstitute.org/ or follow CIG on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn @ChandlerINST

About the Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI)

The Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI) is an annual Index, developed and published by CIG, that measures the capabilities and effectiveness of 113 governments around the world. It is the most comprehensive Index of its kind in the world and is designed to be a practical tool to help governments understand and benchmark their capabilities and performance, and to identify opportunities for progress.

For more information, visit https://chandlergovernmentindex.com/
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For media clarifications, please contact:

Yiting Koh (Ms)
Manager (Engagement and Research)
Chandler Institute of Governance