The implementation of Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) in the Philippines by virtue of Executive Orders 79, s. 2012 and 147, s. 2013 is gaining ground. However, it is hampered by a number of issues and challenges relating to: (1) participation of extractive companies, (2) disclosures of tax information by extractive companies, (3) confidentiality of beneficial ownership, (4) accuracy and data quality, (5) budget and manpower support to multi-stakeholder group (MSG), (6) distribution of shares in national wealth and delay in releases, and (7) monitoring of social development and management program (SDMP).
This paper presents the EITI Standard which outlines the seven (7) requirements that must be adhered to by countries implementing the EITI. It discusses the issues from the existing PH-EITI implementation, especially in reference to the requirements of the EITI Standard. The paper also examines the different bills and presents the key provisions (including the MSG recommendations) for the institutionalization and effective implementation of PH-EITI.
