The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has initiated a significant change by allowing public observers into its budget preparation process for the first time.
This initiative is part of efforts to enhance transparency in the crafting of the national budget, which will be the foundation for the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP).
Social Watch Philippines (SWP), a budget watchdog, praised the DBM's decision to open technical budget hearings (TBHs) to civil society organizations (CSOs) and the public.
Opening the technical budget hearings on a pilot basis is a commendable and necessary first step toward genuine budget transparency.
Ma. Victoria Raquiza, SWP coconvener
This move comes amid past controversies regarding questionable budget allocations and mismanagement, as well as ongoing efforts by Congress to improve transparency.
The first TBHs were conducted on May 7 for the Departments of Information and Communications Technology and Environment and Natural Resources, with further hearings scheduled for other agencies.
The SWP noted that previous budget preparation processes had often been secretive, limiting public insight into how funds are allocated for essential services.
Greater transparency at this stage should enable CSOs to better understand budget priorities and the allocation of public funds before they reach Congress.
SWP believes this change could help restore public confidence in the budgeting process, particularly following recent scandals.
Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo expects agencies to propose lower budgets for 2027, reflecting stricter guidelines in the wake of corruption issues.
While welcoming this new practice, SWP urged the DBM to make it a permanent fixture and to enhance transparency measures.
This initiative aligns with the constitutional right to access information on public matters, highlighting the importance of accountability in governance.