House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s endorsement of public access to the bicameral conference committee deliberations on the national budget through live streaming or direct media access is receiving a positive reception from the lower chamber.
“We fully support the Speaker’s initiative to shine a light on one of the most crucial and sensitive phases of the budget process,” Libanan said. “Allowing the public to witness the bicam discussions upholds the principle that citizens have a right to know how their money is being allocated,” House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan said in a statement Sunday.
The solon from Eastern Samar emphasized that public scrutiny plays a crucial role in ensuring that budget decisions reflect the needs of ordinary Filipinos, rather than political convenience or closed-door arrangements.
“The national budget is the clearest expression of our priorities,” Libanan said.
“It must be debated and finalized not behind closed doors, but in full view of the people whose lives will be most affected by it,” he added.
The bicameral conference committee is tasked with reconciling the House and Senate versions of the General Appropriations Bill, typically the most decisive phase of the annual budget process.
Historically, the committee deliberates on the national allocation conducted behind closed doors.
