Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson encouraged the public to visit the Senate website and scrutinize the chamber’s ₱6.793 trillion proposed 2026 national budget, saying the once obscure amendment process is now completely open to citizens.
Lacson said the site showcases the Senate’s transparency efforts—from livestreamed committee hearings and plenary debates to detailed records of every senator’s proposed changes.
“In general, maganda ang kinalabasan ng budget as far as the Senate. I would encourage you, pati ang ating mga kababayan, check ninyo ang website ng Senado,” he said.
He noted that all individual amendments are publicly accessible, unlike in the past.
“Makikita ninyo lahat doon… hindi tulad dati bulong brigade sulat lang, walang maituturo kung sino ang nag-insert o nag-amend sa iba’t ibang ahensya,” he added.
The Senate is expected to approve the budget on third reading next week, with Lacson vowing that the bicameral conference committee will observe the same standards.
“At ’di pwede ang tago-tago, ila-livestream namin ang pag-uusap,” he said, stressing that only differing provisions in the Senate and House versions will be discussed.
Lacson emphasized that transparency compels accountability, as any questionable or “ghost” project can now be traced to its proposer.
“Sa oversight babantayan mo ’yan kasi ikaw nag-amend… kung hindi pwede ka mabweltahan doon,” he said.
He expressed hope that legislators have taken lessons from the recent flood control controversy, where several officials now face charges over dubious projects.