House Pushes for Transparent Bicameral Conference Deliberations
The liberal progressive bloc in the Philippine House of Representatives is urging the 20th Congress to enhance transparency in the bicameral conference committee deliberations for the national budget. This call aims to allow citizens to witness the discussions shaping the General Appropriations Bill (GAB).
On Tuesday, representatives from Mamamayang Liberal, Akbayan, and other parties filed Joint Resolution No. 2. This measure seeks to open the bicameral conference meetings to the public, either by permitting in-person attendance or by livestreaming sessions online.
Response to President Marcos Jr.’s Budget Warning
Albay Rep. Krisel Lagman shared that the move was a direct response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent State of the Nation Address. The President warned that he might return any GAB that does not align with the National Expenditures Program.
“What we want is a more transparent discussion of the budget, and to make everyone involved in the process accountable,” Lagman said. She emphasized that an open bicam would allow the public to see what changes were made between the Senate and House versions of the budget.
Details of the Proposed Resolution
Joint Resolution No. 2 requires approval by both the House and Senate. If enacted, it would mandate the bicam committee to produce a matrix comparing differences between the two chambers’ versions of the bill and how those differences were resolved.
Furthermore, the resolution demands that comprehensive minutes of the bicameral meetings be made publicly accessible. This transparency aims to prevent any hidden realignments or amendments affecting public funds.
Calls for Openness Amid Past Budget Controversies
The filing aligns with House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s earlier commitment to finally open the bicam conference to public view. Often called the “third congress,” this committee has the power to realign billions of pesos and amend the GAB away from public scrutiny.
Unlike committee and plenary sessions, which are open onsite and online, the bicam conference has remained closed, sparking public criticism. The 2025 General Appropriations Act’s last-minute changes, especially those affecting the Department of Public Works and Highways, drew widespread outrage.
Education sectors were hit hardest, losing ₱12 billion from the Department of Education and ₱14.5 billion from state universities and colleges. Critics argue these cuts violate the constitutional mandate to prioritize education in the national budget.
The progressive bloc’s push for transparent bicameral conference deliberations reflects growing demands for accountability and openness in government spending.
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