House panel endorses open bicam meetings for 2026 budget

On Sunday, the House of Representatives minority bloc endorsed a proposal to make bicameral conference meetings on the 2026 national budget open to the public.

Party-list Representative Marcelino Libanan argued that this transparency would prevent last-minute funding changes and closed-door arrangements, promoting fiscal responsibility and public scrutiny.

Libanan emphasized that citizens have the right to know how their money is allocated and stressed the importance of conducting these discussions openly.

Last year's budget proceedings were criticized for a significant increase in unprogrammed funds and concerns over post-ratification adjustments, leading to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s intervention.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has also expressed support for greater transparency in bicameral committee proceedings, aiming to restore public trust in the budget process.

Libanan concluded that a transparent process would enhance debate quality and serve as a safeguard against misuse of public funds.

The Development Budget Coordination Committee has proposed a P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026, with the budget process expected to begin in August following submission by the Executive branch.