Senate open to proposals to improve public access to budget process

The Senate is open to proposals aimed at enhancing public access to and understanding of the national budget crafting process.

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate on Monday said it was open to proposals aimed at enhancing public access to and understanding of the national budget crafting process.

READ: Bicam talks on 2025 budget to be opened to public

In a statement, Senate Secretary Renato Bantug said calls to increase transparency in the bicameral process are “always welcome.”

“The bicameral conference is a joint undertaking of the Senate and the House [of Representatives]. Both chambers have a shared responsibility to ensure that the process is open and transparent, consistent with the constitutional precept that public office is a public trust,” he added.

According to Bantug, the Senate has institutionalized transparency in the budget process, noting that members of the media have “long been invited” to cover bicameral conference committee meetings on the General Appropriations Bill.

“This consistent practice reflects our commitment to openness and accountability,” he said.

“We likewise welcome public scrutiny and involvement in the budget process. Our kababayan have every right to know how their money is spent, and their active participation helps ensure that their elected representatives remain responsive and accountable to the people who entrusted us with this responsibility,” he added.

Earlier, House Speaker Martin Romualdez expressed support for the proposed institutionalization of a transparent budget process by opening bicameral deliberations to the public.

He said this would be part of a broader budget reform agenda set to mark the opening of the 20th Congress in July.

READ: Lawmaker suggests opening bicam budget meetings to public

The “open bicam campaign” calls for the full disclosure of bicameral conference committee deliberations, often the final stage in reconciling the House and Senate versions of the national budget.

Lawmakers said this could be achieved by live-streaming the proceedings, allowing real-time access for citizens and stakeholders, and making the budget process more transparent and open to public scrutiny./mcm