Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III, along with several senators, has filed Senate Joint Resolution No. 1 calling for greater transparency in the budget process amid concerns over alleged irregularities in the 2025 national budget (Republic Act No. 12116).
The resolution, backed by Senators Panfilo Lacson, Risa Hontiveros, Loren Legarda, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Kiko Pangilinan, and Bam Aquino, proposes opening all bicameral budget deliberations to the public, either in person or via livestream.
They also urge the publication of a matrix comparing Senate and House versions of bills, showing how differences are resolved, along with complete and timely meeting minutes.
The senators warned that hidden amendments and political insertions undermine accountability and can lead to misuse of public funds. They argue that public scrutiny is essential to restoring trust in the budget process.
“We owe it to the Filipino people to show transparency on how the taxes are allocated. Let the public see what we’re doing. That’s the least we can do in a democracy,” said Sotto.IMT
