Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday pushed for a more transparent bicameral deliberation or “open bicam” in the budget process, saying it could help identify lawmakers attempting to make questionable insertions.
“The insertions may not be completely eliminated, but at the very least, we can identify who inserted or realigned the funds for projects that were changed from the NEP once they reached Congress,” he said.
“It’s easy to pinpoint if the public is watching and if there are official minutes, because right now, the budget bicam doesn’t keep any. But if there are minutes and transcripts, it will be clear who among the lawmakers made the insertions,” the senator added.
Lacson said the move, supported by other legislators from both chambers, would be a significant step toward transparency in the national budget deliberations.
He also reiterated his call for a longer period for the Senate to review House amendments to the NEP.
The senator argued that Congress must have enough time to review and revise the budget bill in case the President exercises his veto powers.
“The President himself has said he will not allow any budget measure submitted by Congress for his signature or veto to be misaligned with the NEP,” Lacson added.
