MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo Lacson wants budget proceedings streamed to the public even during session breaks to prevent backroom bargaining and questionable budget insertions.
Lacson urged lawmakers to minimize suspensions during bicameral deliberations, saying the public should be able to monitor discussions, including exchanges that take place outside formal proceedings.
“When the budget bill reaches the bicam, as what happened last year, there were many suspensions where lawmakers were whispering in a corner, away from the cameras. So I'd like to propose that the cameras keep rolling even during a suspension of the proceedings so the public will know what is being discussed,” Lacson said in an interview with DWIZ radio on Saturday.
“Suspensions should be avoided because they allow opportunities for whispering and bargaining. Suspensions should be made so lawmakers can answer the call of nature, not to engage in whispered discussions,” he added.
The bicameral conference committee reconciles differences in the budget bill passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives before the final measure is ratified by both chambers.
Lacson’s proposal comes as the Senate scrutinizes the House-approved P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027, with senators expected to review billions of pesos in realignments and restore funding for programs they consider essential.
