Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
By Miriam G.Desacada
Tacloban City–House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan on Monday has welcomed Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez’s endorsement of public access to the bicameral conference committee deliberations on the national budget, calling it as a “bold step forward for transparency and democratic accountability.”
“We fully support the Speaker’s initiative to shine a light on one of the most crucial and sensitive phases of the budget process,” Libanan said. “Allowing the public to witness the bicam discussions upholds the principle that citizens have a right to know how their money is being allocated.”
The second termer Law maker also stressed that public scrutiny plays a vital role in ensuring that budget decisions reflect the needs of ordinary Filipinos — not political convenience or closed-door arrangements.
“The national budget is the clearest expression of our priorities,” Libanan said. “It must be debated and finalized not behind closed doors, but in full view of the people whose lives will be most affected by it.”
The bicameral conference committee according to Libanan is tasked with reconciling the House and Senate versions of the General Appropriations Bill—typically the most decisive phase of the annual budget process.
Historically conducted behind closed doors, these meetings are now being urged to shift toward greater openness through live-streaming or direct media access.
He added that opening the bicameral proceedings would promote fiscal discipline, discourage last-minute insertions and undue influence, and ultimately enhance public trust in the legislative process.
“In the end, a more transparent process elevates the quality of debate and negotiation and serves as a strong safeguard against the misuse of public funds,” said Libanan, who represents the 4Ps party-list.
“If we are to demand integrity and responsibility in government spending, it must begin with greater openness in the process,” he added. “Transparency is not just good governance — it is a moral obligation.” He said.
Hoping that this commitment to transparency would be institutionalized across future Congresses.
“We commend the Speaker for this important initiative. Let us take this opportunity to set a new benchmark for public accountability,” he said. “Once we open the door, let’s make sure it stays open.”
“This is how we build lasting public trust in our deliberative institutions — by making openness the norm, not the exception,” Libanan concluded—‘Miriam G.Desacada
