Meeting of Constitutional Fiscal Autonomy Group (CFAG) Heads
January 13, 2023
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, in his message during a metting with the heads of the Constitutional Fiscal Autonomy Group (CFAG) on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, underscored the importance of defending fiscal autonomy “not solely for the sake of our institution, but for the sake of our people as well, for from it is expected not only institutional independence, but also greater efficiency in public service. With fiscal autonomy, we should find no excuse for inadequacy, delay, inefficiency and inaction.”
Chief Justice Gesmundo also stressed that fiscal autonomy is not simply a matter of empowering CFAG with “full management and control of our financial affairs.” He added that it also gives CFAG the responsibility of responding promptly and effectively to specific needs and challenges in its own institutions.
“We cannot exempt ourselves from greater transparency and accountability in the management of our finances,” added the Chief Justice. Aside from the Supreme Court, the other members of CFAG are the Commission on Human Rights, the Commission on Audit, the Commission on Elections, the Civil Service Commission, and the Office of the Ombudsman. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo poses for posterity with the other heads of the member agencies of the Constitutional Fiscal Autonomy Group (CFAG) during the Welcome Dinner and CFAG Heads Meeting on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila at the CCP Complex in Pasay City. With him are (from left) Commission on Human Rights Chairperson Richard P. Palpal-latoc, Commission on Elections Chairperson George Erwin M. Garcia, Ombudsman Samuel R. Martinez, Civil Service Commission Chairperson Karlo A.B. Nograles, and COA Chairperson Gamaliel A. Cordoba. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)