National Budget Circular 542

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on August 29, 2012, released National Budget Circular 542, which reaffirms adherence to Section 93 of the General Appropriations Act of FY 2012.

Section 93. Transparency Seal. To enhance transparency and enforce accountability, all national government agencies shall maintain a transparency seal on their official websites. The transparency seal shall contain the following:

• Agency’s mandates and functions, names of officials, and contact information.
• Annual reports as required under National Budget Circular Nos. 507 and 507-A for the last three years.
• Approved budgets and corresponding targets.
• Major programs and projects categorized under the five key results areas.
• Program/project beneficiaries.
• Status of implementation and program/project evaluations.
• Annual procurement plan, contracts awarded, and names of suppliers/consultants.

The respective heads of the agencies shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with this section.

Section 07: Symbolism of the Seal

A pearl buried inside a tightly-shut shell is practically worthless. Government information is a pearl, meant to be shared with the public in order to maximize its inherent value.

The Transparency Seal, depicted by a pearl shining out of an open shell, symbolizes a shift toward openness. It encourages civil servants to welcome citizen engagement and invites the public to participate in governance.

This initiative aims to position the Philippines as the Pearl of the Orient—a beacon of democratic virtue.