Libanan supports Romualdez's call to open bicameral budget discussions

House Minority Leader 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Nonoy Libanan is fully backing Speaker Martin Romualdez's proposal to open the Bicameral Conference Committee deliberations on the national budget to the public.

Libanan stated, \"We fully support the Speaker’s initiative to shine a light on one of the most crucial and sensitive phases of the budget process. Allowing the public to witness the bicam discussions upholds the principle that citizens have a right to know how their money is being allocated.\"

He described the proposal as a bold step forward for transparency and democratic accountability.

Speaker Romualdez had suggested livestreaming the bicam hearings to provide public access to the budget deliberations, which are traditionally conducted behind closed doors.

Libanan commended the Speaker for the initiative and emphasized the importance of setting a new benchmark for public accountability. He highlighted that opening the bicam proceedings would promote fiscal discipline, discourage last-minute insertions, and enhance public trust in the legislative process.

The deliberations on the 2026 national budget are expected to start around August this year at the House of Representatives.

According to the source: Manila Bulletin.