Senator Poe files resolution for full public access to bicam hearing

Senator Grace Poe-Llamanzares INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Grace Poe has filed a resolution, asking Congress to grant the public “full access” to its bicameral conference proceedings and meetings.

In filing Senate resolution 404, Poe noted that disagreeing provisions in a bill passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives are being settled in a   bicameral conference committee composed of select members of both chambers.

“To further ensure that the amendments truly reflect the interests of the people, the public should be granted full access to the bicameral conference proceedings and meetings of the Philippine legislature,” she said in the resolution.

“Similar to a committee or public hearing conducted in considering a bill, the public having full access to bicameral conference proceedings and meetings affords accountability, transparency and good governance,” she added.

Section 28, Article II of the 1987 Constitution, the resolution said, states that subject to reasonable conditions prescribed by law, “the State adopts and implements a policy of full public disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest.”

The Bill of Rights, it also said, recognized the people’s right to information on matters of public concern.

Poe then asked the Senate and the House to grant the public full access to the bicameral conference proceedings and meetings “on the precepts and promotion of constitutional principles of accountability, transparency, and good governance.”

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