Sautol Haqq to awaken people, push for responsive governance

                                      Phil Pa alan, Ric Clet

MARAWI CITY, Oct. 30 - The GRAND LAUNCHING of the SAUTOL HAQQ (THE VOICE OF TRUTH) was held today at JAMIATU MUSLIM MINDANAO (JMM) in Matampay, this city to awaken the people on the shortcomings of government in the delivery of services to the people, as it plays an active role in pushing for responsive governance in Lanao del Sur for the betterment of the welfare and well being of the people.

The launching coincided with the signing of the covenant for reform, openness, and accountability in the public service.

Over a thousand individuals comprising of professionals, business and community leaders, representatives from various non-government organizations,  the academe,  women and youth sectors, mostly students, witnessed the launching and signed the covenant.

In a press conference, the convenors which included Alim Ameroddin M. Sarangani, Atty. Dimapuno Ramos-Datu, Alim Abdulhamid L. Imran, Engr. Ashary P. Maongco, Alim Jalalodden A. Sarangani, Alim Abdulbasit A. Hadjinor, Dr. Bashary A. Latiph,  Atty. Ibra C. Macapanton, Dr. A. R. Basher, Atty. Baguinda-Ali A. Pacalna,  answered questions thrown by  media practitioners  from Mindanao.

In brief, the convenors disclosed that the Sautol Haqq is a non-government organization committed to launch a campaign for openness and accountability in the public service; to inform the people from time to time on the performance of government officials and other public servants; to assist the people of Lanao del Sur and Marawi City (Ranao) in the redress of their grievances; to support the government in the realization of its programs and projects in Ranao for good governance, effective leadership, and political reform; and finally, to initiate such other plans and programs necessary to carry out these objectives

The convenors said they will approach the problem of openness and accountability through legal means. They said they want and need to know whether or not government funds  are handled properly and in compliance with rules and regulations; whether or not organizations, programs and services are achieving their purposes and whether or not these organizations, programs and services are operating economically and efficiently. They said that they will work with government officials and non-government organizations to carry out their objectives.

The convenors said that they believe that public officials and others entrusted with handling of public resources are responsible for applying those resources  efficiently, economically and effectively  to achieve the purpose for which the resources were furnished. They added that this responsibility applies to all resources, whether entrusted to public officials or others by their own constituents or by other levels of government.

The convenors also believe that public officials and others entrusted with public resources are responsible for complying with applicable laws and regulations; that responsibility encompass identifying the requirements with which the entity and the public official must comply and implementing system designed to achieve that compliance. They further believe that public officials and others entrusted with public resources are responsible for establishing and maintaining effective controls to ensure that appropriate goals and objectives are met; resources are safeguarded; laws and regulations are followed; and reliable data are obtained, maintained and fairly disclosed.

The convenors, finally  believe that public officials and others entrusted with public resources are accountable both to the public and other levels and branches of government for the resources provided to carry out government programs and services, and consequently, they should provide appropriate reports to those to whom they are accountable.(with reports from Mariz Revales)