Manila: House Committee on Higher and Technical Education chair Jude Acidre of Tingog Party-list led a consultation session on Tuesday with civil society organizations (CSOs), initiating efforts to involve public participation in the formulation of the 2026 national budget.
According to Philippines News Agency, this meeting, held at the House of Representatives, is a significant step towards enhancing transparency and accountability in government spending. The session was attended by prominent figures such as lawyer Natasha Daphne Sta. Clara Marcelo from the MoveAsOne Coalition and engineer Rene Santiago from the Foundation for Economic Freedom, among others.
Acidre expressed his satisfaction with the active participation of CSO leaders and their support for the reforms promoted by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. "Your participation is not only welcome, it is essential if we are to make the national budget process a true reflection of the people's priorities," Acidre stated during the consultation.
The consultation also included Deputy Secretary General Romulo Emmanuel Miral and lawyer Muel Romero, highlighting the collaborative approach between government officials and civil society. House Resolution (HR) No. 94, spearheaded by Romualdez and Tingog Party-list representatives, aims to grant official non-voting observer status to accredited CSOs in budget hearings.
The resolution seeks to involve CSOs in budget briefings, allowing them to submit position papers and access necessary budget documents, thereby enhancing citizen oversight and scrutiny over public funds allocation.
This initiative is part of a broader set of budget reforms under Speaker Romualdez, which includes opening bicameral conference committee meetings to the public, abolishing the 'small committee,' and granting observer status to CSOs and NGOs.
Participants in the consultation voiced their support for the reforms, emphasizing the need for early access to budget information and sustained engagement throughout the budget process. Acidre assured that their input would be considered in the resolution's final version, marking the beginning of ongoing engagements with civil society groups across various sectors and regions.
The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s emphasis on stronger fiscal governance and a more people-centered public service.
