Prominent figures in Philippine politics are advocating for a resolution that seeks to make bicameral conference committee deliberations on the annual national budget “open” to the public.
The move comes in the wake of alleged “questionable” insertions made by certain lawmakers in the 2025 national budget. Separate but similar resolutions have been filed in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
In the House, House Joint Resolution No. 2 was filed by Albay 1st District Rep. Krisel Lagman, Dinagat Islands Lone District Rep. Kaka Bag-Ao, Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist Rep. Leila de Lima, and Akbayan Partylist Representatives Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Ismula. The measure calls for transparency and public access to the budget drafting process.
In the Senate, the minority bloc composed of Senators Tito Sotto, Migz Zubiri, Risa Hontiveros, Ping Lacson, and Loren Legarda — along with Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan — filed a similar resolution.
If passed, the measure would mark a major shift toward transparency in how Congress finalizes the national budget each year.