Senate OK’s livestreaming of budget meetings, including bicam

Metro Manila, Philippines - Bicameral conference committee meetings, long criticized for last-minute changes to the budget bill behind closed doors, will now be livestreamed under a resolution passed by the Senate on Wednesday, Aug. 13.

Senators unanimously approved Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 4, which seeks to strengthen the national budget process by increasing transparency, accountability, and public participation.

All 24 senators co-authored the measure, which primarily mandates the online publication of all budget-related documents- from the detailed funding requests of government agencies to the final General Appropriations Bill (GAB) submitted to the president for enactment.

The resolution also requires the Senate and House of Representatives to establish an online platform for the public to submit feedback on the national budget.

Senators spent three session days deliberating and introducing amendments to the measure.

The final version, shared by Senate finance committee chairperson Win Gatchalian, requires the Senate and House of Representatives to make all budget deliberations, including briefings, hearings, plenary discussions, and bicam meetings "available and readily accessible to the public via digital live streaming.”

The resolution also urges the Department of Budget and Management to upload the funding requests submitted by agencies.

The following documents must also be published online - on the Senate, House, or both chambers’ websites:

• The GAB passed by the House

• The bicameral conference committee report and joint explanation of disagreeing provisions

• Transcripts of bicam meetings

• Transcripts of budget briefings, public hearings, and technical working group meetings

• Committee reports on the GAB

• Journal records of plenary deliberations

• Senate-approved amendments to the GAB

In addition, the Senate committee on finance and the House committee on appropriations are directed to publish a detailed comparative matrix to help the public better understand the changes made to the budget.

“The matrix shall highlight all additions, deletions, modifications, and reallocations of funds, including specific line-item changes, across all programs, activities, and projects,” the resolution states.

While the resolution does not explicitly require the disclosure of lawmakers who propose amendments, Senator Ping Lacson noted that he and Gatchalian agreed the finance committee chairperson will identify the proponents on the floor if a colleague requests clarification on specific realignments or amendments.

“Not only the proponents of the individual amendments but also the history and justifications,” Gatchalian said.