Lacson pushes open budget process

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has filed a bill to boost transparency in the national budget process by formally involving civil society organizations (CSOs) in its preparation.

In filing the “People’s Participation in the National Budget Process Act,” Lacson underscored the need for a new mechanism to prevent a repeat of what he described as the “mangling of the national budget, especially behind closed doors.”

“Specifically, this bill aims to institutionalize the people’s participation in budget deliberations at various levels of government — national, provincial, municipal and down to the barangay level,” he said.

“Without underestimating and undermining the capacities of elected representatives in crafting a budget that is needed by a particular locality, this bill gives full play to the people’s right to participate in all levels of social, political, and economic decision-making,” he added.

Lacson said the bill will guarantee public access to information on how taxpayer money is spent, which he said will serve as the “people’s safeguard against corruption.”

The proposed measure is part of the priority measures he has filed in the 20th Congress.

The bill will also mandate official recordings and transcripts of bicameral conference committee meetings, in addition to formally recognizing the role of CSOs.

Lacson noted that pork and other budget insertions are often made behind closed doors, particularly during bicameral conference committee meetings attended by only a few members.

“The bicameral conference and all other meetings related or associated thereto shall be recorded and be made accessible immediately to promote transparency and to allow members of both Houses to easily determine how conflicting provisions in the proposed national budget were reconciled or resolved before the submission thereof for ratification by both Houses of Congress,” he said.

Under the bill, all national government agencies and government-owned and controlled corporations will also be required to develop guidelines for accrediting CSOs and allowing their active participation in budget hearings.

Accredited CSOs will have the right to receive notices of budget-related meetings, participate as resource persons, observe deliberations, access budget documents, and submit position papers or alternative budget proposals. They will also be granted access to official issuances and documents submitted to Congress as part of the General Appropriations Bill, including reports from both Houses and the bicameral committee.

The bill will also require agencies and GOCCs to publicly post the relevant budget documents on their websites or accessible platforms, ensuring that CSOs and the public can fully exercise their right to information.