NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Makabayan Bloc Pushes For Open Budget Hearings: A Call For Transparency In 2025 National Budget Deliberations
Photo credit: Congress PH
The Makabayan Bloc has filed House Resolution No. 2067, aiming to make all Bicameral Conference Committee hearings on the 2025 General Appropriations Bill open to the public and media. The resolution calls on the House of Representatives to allow full access to these sessions, including the release of documents and transcripts.
Why This Matters
The proposal argues that opening these discussions could prevent questionable insertions or "last-minute surprises" in the budget—a common criticism of closed-door bicameral committee meetings. The resolution highlights how past committee sessions, like those for the 2024 budget, led to changes that were not part of either House or Senate-approved versions, notably with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) funds being reallocated. Lawmakers argue that such behind-the-scenes amendments bypass proper scrutiny, turning bicameral committees into a so-called “Third House” with power over the final budget form.
A Step Toward Accountability
The Makabayan Bloc emphasized that this proposal aligns with the 1987 Constitution’s mandate for transparency and accountability in government proceedings. By opening bicameral budget sessions to public oversight, they believe it will ensure the discussions focus only on reconciling differences between House and Senate versions, without sneaking in new provisions. Moreover, this move aims to make the public more engaged in where and how taxpayer money is allocated.
What Could Change
If approved, the resolution would push the House Committee on Rules to modify procedural guidelines, making openness in budget deliberations an institutional standard. Complete transcripts of these sessions would be made available, allowing anyone interested to scrutinize the debates and decisions made during these critical stages of the budget process.
Moving Forward
While the resolution is just a first step, its proponents believe it will promote citizen involvement and increase lawmakers' accountability in managing the nation’s finances. For now, the Makabayan Bloc and its supporters await a response from their colleagues in the House, hoping this call for transparency will lead to meaningful change in how the national budget is handled.
Why This Matters
The proposal argues that opening these discussions could prevent questionable insertions or "last-minute surprises" in the budget—a common criticism of closed-door bicameral committee meetings. The resolution highlights how past committee sessions, like those for the 2024 budget, led to changes that were not part of either House or Senate-approved versions, notably with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) funds being reallocated. Lawmakers argue that such behind-the-scenes amendments bypass proper scrutiny, turning bicameral committees into a so-called “Third House” with power over the final budget form.
A Step Toward Accountability
The Makabayan Bloc emphasized that this proposal aligns with the 1987 Constitution’s mandate for transparency and accountability in government proceedings. By opening bicameral budget sessions to public oversight, they believe it will ensure the discussions focus only on reconciling differences between House and Senate versions, without sneaking in new provisions. Moreover, this move aims to make the public more engaged in where and how taxpayer money is allocated.
What Could Change
If approved, the resolution would push the House Committee on Rules to modify procedural guidelines, making openness in budget deliberations an institutional standard. Complete transcripts of these sessions would be made available, allowing anyone interested to scrutinize the debates and decisions made during these critical stages of the budget process.
Moving Forward
While the resolution is just a first step, its proponents believe it will promote citizen involvement and increase lawmakers' accountability in managing the nation’s finances. For now, the Makabayan Bloc and its supporters await a response from their colleagues in the House, hoping this call for transparency will lead to meaningful change in how the national budget is handled.
Nov 12, 2024
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