Senate Finance Committee Chairman JV Ejercito has announced that civil society organizations will be permitted to observe the upcoming bicameral deliberations for the 2027 national budget. This initiative aims to increase transparency and accountability within the legislative process by allowing external watchdogs to monitor proceedings. Ejercito stated that the presence of these groups will help identify unvetted projects and prevent the inclusion of unauthorized last-minute budget insertions. Furthermore, the senator confirmed that the sessions will be broadcast via livestream to ensure broader public access. This decision follows persistent requests from various business coalitions and civic organizations for improved oversight of government spending. By incorporating these measures, the committee intends to enhance the integrity of the budget approval process and maintain higher standards of public scrutiny.
Source : The Manila Times
Photo : The Manila Times
