Press Statement

The Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG) today called on the government to take decisive action to cushion the impact of rising oil prices, emphasizing that any state intervention must prioritize the country’s most vulnerable sectors.   In a statement, CenPEG said that while market forces play a role in determining fuel prices, the government cannot remain passive when price shocks threaten the livelihoods of millions of Filipinos.   “If government chooses not

Think tank Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG) today expressed serious concern over what it described as a “very weak and watered-down” version of the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Bill currently being deliberated in Congress.   CenPEG Chairperson Roland G. Simbulan criticized the measure for merely prohibiting multiple family members from occupying government posts at the same time or within the same term, while still allowing political clans to maintain p

The Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG) today issued a statement following the confirmation of charges by the International Criminal Court against former President Rodrigo Duterte in connection with alleged crimes linked to the government’s so-called “war on drugs.”   CenPEG emphasized that the ICC’s confirmation of charges is a procedural legal determination that there are sufficient grounds for the case to proceed to trial. It is not a conviction, but it si

Uphold International Law: Stop Wars of Aggression and Defend the Palestinian People   The think tank Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG) expresses grave concern over the continuing wars of aggression in the Middle East, particularly the United States-backed Israeli military assault on Palestine that has triggered a catastrophic humanitarian crisis and widespread civilian suffering. The overwhelming majority of the international community has repeatedly affirm

The Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG) expresses grave concern over the President’s decision to sign into law the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) based on the ratified Bicameral Conference Committee (Bicam) version without removing or substantially correcting the highly questionable lump-sum and discretionary appropriations embedded in the final budget.   Despite widespread public criticism and repeated warnings from economists, civil society groups, a

The  Center for People Empowerment in Governance  (CenPEG) expresses deep concern over the persistent lack of transparency and accountability in the national budgeting process, particularly regarding the so-called “allocables” and “non-allocables.” These classifications—often obscure to the public—continue to open wide spaces for discretion, political favoritism, and inefficient use of public funds.   CenPEG Chair Prof. Roland G. Simbulan emphasized that the budget must be tr

PRESS RELEASE November 6, 2025   CenPEG Calls for Accountability, Justice, and Sovereignty Amid Alarming Foreign Interference     The Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG) expresses deep concern and outrage over the widespread devastation brought by Typhoon Tino across the Visayas. While the storm’s natural force was immense, the scale of destruction was undeniably magnified by corruption and negligence—particularly the proliferation of “ghost” flood control pr

As Congress deliberates on the proposed ₱6.793 trillion national budget for 2026, the Center for People Empowerment in Governance...

PRESS RELEASE August 18, 2025   Manila, August 2025 – The Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG) today raised serious...