Calls to Enhance Civil Society Participation in Budget Deliberations
MANILA, Philippines — Following the establishment of a task force focused on people’s participation during budget deliberations, Akbayan party-list Representative Percival Cendaña has urged the House of Representatives to create a transparent mechanism that ensures civil society organizations’ (CSOs) inputs are seriously considered and discussed.
In an online interview, Cendaña emphasized the importance of genuine civil society participation in the budget process. He expressed concerns that despite the House committee on appropriations’ good initiative to allow CSOs to monitor deliberations, these groups risk being sidelined as mere “bench warmers.”
Gaps in Guidelines for Civil Society Participation in Budget
Cendaña pointed out that the recently issued HRep Memorandum Circular No. 20-002, which outlines the rules for CSO involvement in the budget-making process, lacks clarity on how their feedback will be handled. He stressed, “When we saw the guidelines, I said, ‘There is a need to improve these. This is not what we believe as genuine participation of civil society organizations.’”
He further explained that the current guidelines appear to only require CSOs to submit position papers without a clear process to integrate their recommendations into the deliberations. “It is important that they have the opportunity to speak during the budget process,” Cendaña said.
Need for Vetting and Amendments in Participation Guidelines
Aside from procedural concerns, Cendaña revealed that the guidelines were finalized without proper consultation with lawmakers and relevant groups. “We would have appreciated a more thorough process in terms of vetting their proposed policy, because when the guidelines were released, these were already approved. So where is the room, the elbow room for amendments?” he questioned.
Local leaders noted that the creation of the House Task Force on People’s Participation (TFPP) in Budget Deliberations aims to bridge communication between the House Secretariat and civil society organizations. The circular also sets accreditation and participation rules to streamline CSO involvement.
Challenges Faced by CSOs During Budget Hearings
During the initial budget briefing, CSO representatives were allowed to observe inside the Batasang Pambansa plenary hall. However, when the hearing shifted to the Romualdez Hall to accommodate the House session, CSOs were excluded due to space limitations, officials reported.
Cendaña expressed disappointment over this development, saying, “This whole budget process will be a confidence-building process because we need to rebuild the confidence and trust of the people on the budget process. But during the initial implementation yesterday, we were unsatisfied in terms of the pursuit of genuine transparency and participation.”
He added, “They (CSOs) were recognized during the start of the process at the session hall, but when we transferred to the Romualdez hall, they were the first to go – the civil society organizations. They were told — though we have yet to confirm this — that this is because of limited space. So and that only reinforces my fears that they might be reduced to bench warmers.”
Expanding Opportunities for Civil Society Input
Appropriations Chairperson Mikaela Suansing previously announced plans for a People’s Budget Review — a one-day event where CSOs and people’s organizations can provide insights on the proposed 2026 budget. While this is a positive step, Cendaña cautioned that one day is insufficient for such a complex and dynamic legislation.
“While we appreciate these initiatives from the committee on appropriations to provide that People’s Budget Review, one day for the CSOs to present their feedback and comments on the budget — but we know that the budget is a very dynamic piece of legislation, right? So one day will not be enough. It has to be a constant presence,” Cendaña explained.
He remains hopeful that the appropriations committee will remain receptive to calls for more inclusive and transparent hearings. “But with what happened yesterday, I think the committee on appropriations will be more open towards being responsive to our calls,” he added.
Reforms Sparked by Budget Controversies
Calls for reform in the budget-making process intensified after concerns surfaced regarding the 2025 national budget, including alleged blank items in the bicameral conference report and last-minute insertions favoring flood control projects. Community members noted these issues raised questions about transparency and accountability.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., during his fourth State of the Nation Address, condemned officials and contractors who allegedly profited from kickbacks linked to flood control projects. He also warned lawmakers that he would reject any national budget not aligned with the administration’s priorities, even if it means reverting to a reenacted budget.
In response, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Suansing pledged to push for opening bicameral conference committee meetings to public scrutiny and to enhance public participation in the budget process. They also committed to ending the practice of small committees that deliberate amendments after the budget bill’s approval.
For more news and updates on budget deliberations, visit Filipinokami.com.
