We all have the right and responsibility to participate in an informed manner in the processes that affect the development of the country and our quality of life.
That's why we want to know where is our money? Money managed by the central government, municipalities and public corporations. The money that we contribute with the contributions, taxes and other rights that we pay. Money received from the federal government, as well as from other sources. And the one that has been received and will be received for recovery after Hurricane Maria.
Debt Dictionary
With the growing importance of the fiscal situation, the debt and the budget have become topics of discussion in the daily lives of Puerto Ricans. This dictionary is an effort to compile commonly used terms. Its objective is to achieve a better understanding of the problem and encourage informed citizen participation in these debates.
Debt Dictionary
With the growing importance of the fiscal situation, the debt and the budget have become topics of discussion in the daily lives of Puerto Ricans.
open checkbook
What would happen if all the government agencies of Puerto Rico published their financial data? Can you imagine being able to access the web portal of each public agency and obtain information on all their annual income and expenses in an easy and understandable way? Also, did you know that the publication of this type of information is your right and it is the duty of the government to publish it? That is what fiscal or financial transparency is all about and every government is obliged to comply with said mandate.
Financial Transparency
What would happen if all the government agencies of Puerto Rico published their financial data? Can you imagine being able to access the web portal of each public agency and obtain information on all their annual income and expenses in an easy and understandable way? Also, did you know that the publication of this type of information is your right and it is the duty of the government to publish it? That is what fiscal or financial transparency is all about and every government is obliged to comply with said mandate.
Transparency in Board expenses: what is seen and what is not seen
Breakdown of the Board's budgeted expenses for fiscal year 2018:
- Budgeted: $60,088,712.
- Spent: $48,688,038.
- 19% of the total budget has not been spent.
- There is no published detail of 15% of the total spent.
- There is a published detail of 85% of the total spent.
Transparency in Board expenses: what is seen and what is not seen
Breakdown of the Board's budgeted expenses for fiscal year 2018:
- Budgeted: $60,088,712.
- Spent: $48,688,038.
- 19% of the total budget has not been spent.
- There is no published detail of 15% of the total spent.
- There is a published detail of 85% of the total spent.
Board does not comply with disclosure of financial information
The public complaint by Espacios Abiertos about the Board's failure to disclose its financial interests has garnered the attention and reaction of the Board. However, the information published by the Board on its financial interests is deficient and incomplete.
Board does not comply with disclosure of financial information
The public complaint by Espacios Abiertos about the Board's failure to disclose its financial interests has garnered the attention and reaction of the Board. However, the information published by the Board on its financial interests is deficient and incomplete.
X-ray of transparency in recovery
In order to follow up on the post-disaster recovery process in Puerto Rico and ensure a transparent, participatory and fair recovery, we need a starting point that serves as a guide. What does Puerto Rico's recovery look like after Hurricanes Irma and María? What investment will it require? Where and for what? From what sources will these funds come? With the aim of contributing to the conversation about transparency in post-disaster funds, Espacios Abiertos evaluated the recovery transparency portal, the best examples in the United States and the criteria of Transparency International.
X-ray of transparency in recovery
In order to follow up on the post-disaster recovery process in Puerto Rico and ensure a transparent, participatory and fair recovery, we need a starting point that serves as a guide. What does Puerto Rico's recovery look like after Hurricanes Irma and María? What investment will it require? Where and for what? From what sources will these funds come? With the aim of contributing to the conversation about transparency in post-disaster funds, Espacios Abiertos evaluated the recovery transparency portal, the best examples in the United States and the criteria of Transparency International.
Transparency and right to information
Today transparency is considered an indispensable ingredient of democratic government. Without transparency in government management, citizens cannot gather the information that is required so that they can participate with knowledge of the facts in the public debate and adequately judge the performance of public institutions and their officials.
Transparency and right to information
Today transparency is considered an indispensable ingredient of democratic government. Without transparency in government management, citizens cannot gather the information that is required so that they can participate with knowledge of the facts in the public debate and adequately judge the performance of public institutions and their officials.
10 principles access to information
Since 1982, the Puerto Rico Supreme Court has recognized access to public information as a constitutional right. This is how it was resolved in Soto vs. Secretary of Justice, 112 DPR 477 (1982). In 2019, in serious disregard of the recommendations proposed by Espacios Abiertos, the Transparency Network and other groups, a few hours after his term abruptly ended, Governor Rosselló signed into law two bills with serious deficiencies. The law no. 122 “Puerto Rico Government Open Data Act” y law no. 141 "Law of Transparency and Expedited Procedure for Access to Public Information" Far from promoting and facilitating access to public information, they limit it. Therefore, we collect the 10 principles in favor of access to public information internationally favored to demand a truly transparent government.
10 principles access to information
In Puerto Rico, although there is no law in favor of access to public information, we do have a constitutional right of access to information, declared by the Supreme Court in the case Soto vs. Secretary of Justice, 112 DPR 477 (1982). Since the 1990's, more than one hundred countries have adopted laws on access to public information, which is why at Espacios Abiertos we want to join this wave in favor of legislation that mandates its access. Therefore, we collect the 10 principles in favor of access to public information internationally favored to demand a truly transparent government.