Lacson bill encourages public participation in budget process

Sen. Panfilo Lacson (File photo by CATHY MIRANDA / INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo Lacson has filed a bill seeking direct participation of the public on the deliberations on the national budget.

Senate Bill No. 24 — or the “People’s Participation in the National Budget Process Act of 2019” — aims to provide privileges and incentives for groups to participate in the budgeting process.

“Now is the time for Congress to recognize the importance of the direct participation by people’s organizations and nongovernment organizations in the budget deliberation,” Lacson said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

He added it was “high time” to “achieve a people-oriented budget as well as establish transparency and accountability in the budget process.”

Under the bill, nongovernment organizations and professional and faith-based groups, among others, would be allowed to observe and participate as resource persons in budget hearings in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

They would also have access to documents, including copies of budget proposals, and they could also submit their own alternative or proposed budget.

Organizations who wish to apply for accreditation must provide full disclosure of their sources of funds and service contracts with state agencies, other NGOs, and other organizations that could result in a potential conflict of interest.

Lacson cited “abuse and indiscretions” of some legislators for the delayed passage of the 2019 national budget. He had claimed that lawmakers inserted “pork barrel” funds in the budget.

(Editor: Alexander T. Magno)