House Adopts Resolution for Bicameral Conference Committee Meetings
The House of Representatives has taken a significant step by adopting a resolution to open bicameral conference committee meetings to third-party observers. This includes representatives from civil society organizations to enhance transparency in budget deliberations. The move demonstrates a commitment to involving the public and fostering accountability in the national budget process.
During the recent session, House Resolution (HR) No. 94, authored by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and the Tingog party-list, was approved through voice voting. The resolution allows bona fide people’s organizations to be formally accredited and invited to participate as official non-voting observers in public deliberations of the committee on appropriations and its subcommittees. These organizations will engage actively in crafting the national budget.
Ensuring Transparency in Budget Deliberations
The committee on appropriations, responsible for budget crafting, will coordinate with the committee on people’s participation to develop guidelines. These guidelines will establish eligibility, accreditation procedures, and the scope of participation for civil society organizations. This initiative aligns with calls for reform by the appropriations panel chairperson, Nueva Ecija 1st District Representative Mikaela Angela Suansing.
In a recent press briefing, Suansing outlined three key reforms: abolishing the “small committee,” opening bicameral conference committee meetings to the public, and allowing civil society organizations to observe and raise concerns. These proposals aim to make budget deliberations more open and responsive to public needs.
Calls for Public Participation and Accountability
After filing the measure on July 31, Speaker Romualdez emphasized that the resolution reflects a desire for genuine public engagement in budget discussions. “We want a budget process that truly listens to the people. It’s important that the people have a voice from the start of the budget deliberations so that we can truly respond to their needs,” he said in a mix of Filipino and English.
Romualdez added that ensuring civil society representation during budget talks will make the process more transparent and accountable. This is a critical development amid ongoing concerns about the budget’s alignment with public priorities.
Understanding the Budget Process
Currently, the executive branch prepares a budget plan for each fiscal year, known as the National Expenditure Program (NEP). This plan is submitted to the president for approval before reaching Congress. The House committee on appropriations then reviews the NEP, allowing lawmakers to propose changes as long as they do not exceed the presidential ceiling.
Once the House incorporates its amendments, the proposal becomes the General Appropriations Bill (GAB). After third reading approval, it moves to the Senate, which may also introduce amendments. If differences arise, a bicameral conference committee convenes to reconcile them. Historically, only the opening of these bicameral meetings was open to reporters, with the rest held behind closed doors.
Transparency Urged Amid Budget Concerns
Calls for greater transparency intensified following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA). He warned lawmakers that he would reject any national budget proposal not aligned with his administration’s programs. Marcos also signaled readiness to allow a reenacted budget if the GAB deviates significantly from the NEP.
These warnings come amid mounting concerns around the budget process, especially allegations of corruption involving funds allocated for flood control projects. Senator Panfilo Lacson recently cautioned that nearly half of the almost P2 trillion spent since 2011 may have been misappropriated, highlighting the urgent need for thorough budget review.
Reestablishing the Quad Committee
In a related development, the House also passed HR No. 106, reinstating the quad committee. This panel previously conducted joint investigations into illegal activities linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators, the illegal drug trade, and alleged human rights violations during the previous administration’s drug war.
Manila 6th District Representative Bienvenido Abante Jr. pushed for the committee’s reconvening, citing unresolved issues from the 19th Congress. The reactivated quad committee may also include the case of missing sabungeros (cockfighters), which whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan linked to police officers involved in both the drug war and extrajudicial killings.
Last Wednesday, the House finalized the quad committee’s leadership roster. Bicol Saro party-list Representative Terry Ridon was elected Minority chairperson of the Committee on Public Accounts. Other appointments include Bukidnon 2nd District Representative Jonathan Keith Flores heading the Committee on Dangerous Drugs, Manila 2nd District Representative Rolando Valeriano leading the Committee on Public Order and Safety, and Bienvenido Abante Jr. chairing the Committee on Human Rights.
For more news and updates on bicameral conference committee meetings, visit Filipinokami.com.
