Senator Sotto Advocates Open Bicameral Committee Hearings for Transparency
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III has declared his strong support to open bicameral committee hearings to the public. He emphasized that this move is crucial for scrutiny and full transparency, especially amid ongoing controversies involving the 2025 national budget. The senator’s commitment to open bicameral committee hearings reflects a growing call for transparency in government processes.
Sotto’s announcement came as lawmakers and citizens alike urge the upcoming 20th Congress to make bicam committee hearings more accessible. “I’m definitely in favor,” Sotto said in a recent interview with local reporters. “We will make sure we will suggest that the bicam committee be open to the public for scrutiny and full transparency.” This key phrase, open bicameral committee hearings, underscores the senator’s goal to enhance public trust through openness.
Freedom of Information Bill to Support Transparency
Alongside his advocacy for open bicameral committee hearings, Senator Sotto also revealed plans to file a Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill on July 1. He explained that such legislation complements efforts to promote transparency in government operations. The FOI Bill would empower citizens with greater access to public documents and proceedings, furthering the goal of government accountability.
The “open bicam campaign” calls for the full disclosure of bicameral conference committee deliberations. Lawmakers have noted that transparency can be easily improved by live-streaming the committee’s proceedings. This would allow the public to observe and understand the national budget crafting process in real time.
Growing Support for Accessible Budget Process
Several local leaders and officials have voiced support for making the budget process more open to the public. They assert that transparency helps prevent misunderstandings and builds public confidence. The Senate itself has expressed openness to proposals that would increase public access to budget deliberations, viewing it as a positive step to strengthen democratic engagement.
“Open bicameral committee hearings” is emerging as a shared goal among lawmakers striving for accountability. By incorporating technology like live streaming, the government can make budget discussions more inclusive and clear. This approach aligns with broader calls for good governance and responsible leadership.
As the 20th Congress approaches, these initiatives signal a promising shift toward openness. Citizens are expected to benefit from enhanced visibility into how public funds are allocated and debated. For more news and updates on open bicameral committee hearings, visit Filipinokami.com.