CCWI CALLS FOR FULL DISCLOSURE OF ₱3.7-BILLION LOAN FACILITIES APPROVED BY CAMARINES SUR PROVINCIAL BOARD
June 16, 2026 | Camarines Sur, Philippines
CAMARINES SUR — Crimes and Corruption Watch International, Inc. (CCWI) is calling for the immediate and full disclosure of details surrounding loan facilities reportedly approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Camarines Sur, involving ₱3.5 billion and an additional ₱200 million, for a combined amount of approximately ₱3.7 billion.
CCWI said the public should be provided with complete and accessible information regarding the proposed or approved financing arrangements, particularly because the transactions involve public funds and could have long-term implications for the province’s finances.
According to CCWI, the organization is seeking clarification and disclosure of the following:
- Loan terms and conditions
- Names of the lending institution or institutions involved
- Purpose and specific projects to be financed
- Interest rates, fees, and other financial charges
- Repayment schedule and maturity periods
- Collateral, guarantees, or other security arrangements
- Source of funds for repayment
- Potential impact on the provincial budget and public finances
- Relevant resolutions, ordinances, agreements, and supporting documents
CCWI CITES TRANSPARENCY AND PUBLIC DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS
CCWI is urging the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, Governor Luis Raymund “LRay” Villafuerte Jr., and other concerned officials to make the relevant documents available to the public.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) states that its Full Disclosure Policy (FDP) requires local governments to disclose specified financial documents to their constituents, including information concerning local budgets and the use of public funds. The policy is anchored, among others, on DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2010-083 and subsequent implementing issuances.
CCWI also cited various transparency, budgeting, procurement, and local-government laws and regulations as part of its call for greater public access to information.
The organization specifically referenced:
- DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2010-083 – Full Disclosure Policy
- Republic Act No. 7160 – Local Government Code
- Republic Act No. 11032 – Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act
- Republic Act No. 12009 – New Government Procurement Act
- DBM National Budget Circular No. 542 – Transparency Seal requirements
DBM explains that National Budget Circular No. 542 reiterates the Transparency Seal requirements intended to enhance transparency and accountability in government, including the publication of specified budgetary, program, procurement, and other government information.
QUESTIONS RAISED BY CCWI
CCWI is asking the provincial government to clarify several fundamental questions concerning the reported loan facilities:
Who are the lenders?
What are the exact terms and conditions of the loans?
What projects or programs will receive the proceeds?
What will be the total cost of the loans, including interest and other charges?
When will repayment begin, and over what period will the provincial government repay the debt?
What assets, revenues, or other public resources will secure the obligations?
How will the loans affect the province’s future budgets and available funds for public services?
CCWI said that making these documents publicly accessible would allow residents, civil society organizations, journalists, and other stakeholders to examine the financial commitments and their potential implications.
CCWI WARNS OF POSSIBLE LEGAL ACTION
CCWI Chairman/President Carlo Batalla, Ph.D., said the organization may pursue available legal and administrative remedies if it determines that applicable disclosure or accountability requirements have not been complied with.
Among the actions identified by CCWI are possible filings or referrals before:
- Office of the Ombudsman
- Commission on Audit (COA)
- Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
- Other competent government authorities
Any such complaint would be subject to the review and determination of the appropriate government agency or tribunal.
PUBLIC INTEREST AT THE CENTER OF THE ISSUE
The reported combined amount of ₱3.7 billion makes transparency surrounding the financing arrangements a matter of significant public interest, according to CCWI.
The organization maintains that residents of Camarines Sur should have access to the documents necessary to understand how the province intends to incur, use, and repay the reported obligations.
As of the publication of this report, the specific loan agreements, complete financial terms, lending institutions, project allocations, and repayment schedules referenced by CCWI have not been independently established in this report. The provincial government and other concerned officials should be given an opportunity to provide the relevant documents and their response to the issues raised.
CCWI said it will continue to monitor the matter and pursue accountability through lawful channels.
CARLO BATALLA, Ph.D.
Chairman/President | Crimes and Corruption Watch International, Inc. (CCWI)
Former Elected Board Member, Province of Camarines Sur