MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives passed on third and final reading a bill allowing civil society organizations (CSOs) to take part in the budget process of Congress and other government offices.
House Bill No. 7407 or “An Act Institutionalizing The Participation of Civil Society Organizations in the Preparation and Authorization Process of the Annual National Budget, Providing Effective Mechanisms Therefore, and for Other Purposes” was approved with 200 voting in its favor, 6 against it, and no abstentions.
Bill author San Jose Del Monte City Rep. Florida Robes said the bill will play a crucial role in the budget deliberations of the General Appropriations bill in Congress as well as the budget preparation of other government offices.
The bill, according to Robes, will give people an opportunity to influence government officials as to how the budget should be spent and to whom it should be given to.
“I am hopeful that the counterpart bill in Senate will get passed soon because it is the aim of the present administration to ensure transparency and accountability in the crafting of the annual budget,” said Robes.
“This will provide a mechanism to make sure that people’s organizations participate in the process and give them a voice on how public funds should be spent,” she added.
Under the bill, accredited CSOs will be given a right to participate in the budget preparation of government agencies, including constitutional bodies and government-owned and controlled corporations, similar to the rights accorded to non-government organizations in local development councils.
CSOs shall also be entitled to notices of hearings and receive budget documents as well as submit their own alternative budget proposals or position papers. They shall also have the right to observe the budget deliberations including the bicameral conference committee meetings.
They shall also be allowed to participate as resource persons during budget deliberations in Congress.
In order to participate, people’s organizations need to be accredited by the respective offices in which they intend to take part. Any government officer who restrains any CSO from participating in the process will be penalized with a suspension ranging from one month to six months or a fine of P30,000 to P100,000 or both.
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