MANILA, Philippines – Bukas ang Senado sa panawagan na taasan ang transparency sa bicameral budget deliberations at buksan ito sa publiko, sinabi ni Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr.
Ito ay kasunod ng itinakda ng economic team ng Marcos administration na P6.793 trilyon na budget ng pamahalaan, mababa sa total budget proposals na natanggap ng Department of Budget and Management (DBM) na P10.101 trillion.
Ang inaprubahang P6.793 trilyong proposed budget para sa 2026 ay 7.4% na mas mataas kumpara sa aktwal na 2025 budget na P6.326 trillion.
Iginiit ni Bantug na dahil ang bicameral conference ay isang joint undertaking ng Senado at Kamara, ang dalawang kapulungan ay mayroong “shared responsibility to ensure that the process is open and transparent, consistent with the constitutional precept that public office is a public trust.”
“Calls to increase transparency in the bicam are always welcome. The Senate is open to serious proposals that will enhance public access and understanding of the crafting of the national budget,” saad sa pahayag ng Senate Secretary.
Sinabi rin ni Bantug na bukas ang Senado sa kritisismo at pakikialam ng publiko sa budget process.
“Our kababayan have every right to know how their money is spent, and their active participation helps ensure that their elected representatives remain responsive and accountable to the people who entrusted us with this responsibility,” dagdag pa. RNT/JGC
