MANILA, Philippines —The Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG) on Tuesday said that it would tighten the screening process for applicants, as more local chief executives express interest in joining the organization.
In a statement, M4GG Secretariat said that expressions of intent or pending applications do not automatically equate to membership. It added that all applications are reviewed by the membership committee, which conducts background checks—a process necessary to preserve the integrity of the organization.
M4GG cautioned the public against news articles and social media posts claiming that certain mayors are already its members. It noted that premature announcements undermine the credibility of its internal process.
On August 30, the group named 51 new observers, saying another batch would be announced on September 30. M4GG said that even incumbent mayors who joined between 2023 and 2025 remain under review, with their membership status to be confirmed at a later date.
“We encourage them to wait for the official announcement of new members,” it added.
M4GG was formed in August 2023 after more than 100 mayors signed a manifesto pledging to uphold accountability, transparency, and citizen-centered governance. Since then, the organization has positioned itself as a collective bloc of reform-minded leaders, calling for transparency in projects such as flood control and pushing for reforms in local government operations.
The convenors of M4GG are Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Isabela City Mayor Sitti Hataman, Dumaguete Mayor Felipe Remollo, Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro, Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto, and Kauswagan Mayor Rommel Arnado.
