Speaker Dy backs calls for greater budget transparency, public scrutiny

MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III expressed support on Thursday for proposals to make the national budget process more transparent, saying Filipinos have the right to know how public funds are allocated and spent.

In a statement, Dy said the House is open to disclosing supporting documents for government projects, making budget deliberations more accessible to the public, and working with civil society groups to strengthen public oversight.

“The people should now where their money goes, who is proposing a project, why it is needed, and who will benefit from it,” he said in Filipino.

Article continues after this advertisement

He welcomed proposals calling for greater transparency in congressional budget amendments, public verification of government projects, more open bicameral conference committee deliberations, and closer scrutiny of the budgets of government offices, including Congress.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

READ: Palace: Budget red flags can lead again to Marcos veto

He also expressed support for reforms that would make government assistance more accessible based on people’s needs rather than political connections.

Dy said the House is prepared to work with the Senate, executive agencies, and civil society organizations to ensure that public funds address urgent national concerns, including food security, healthcare, education, employment, infrastructure, and preparations for El Niño.

“The real needs of our countrymen should be prioritized — food, jobs, health, education, roads, and preparing for calamities and El Niño,” he said.

Article continues after this advertisement

At the same time, Dy stressed that legitimate congressional amendments should not automatically be associated with corruption.

He explained that lawmakers have a responsibility to represent the needs of their constituents and propose projects that address development gaps in their districts.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Not all the changes the Congress made in the budget are wrong. It’s the duty of congressmen to fight for the needs of their districts. What’s important is the project is proper, the documents are complete, and they will really benefit people,” he said.

READ: JV, Lacson: Budget ‘bicam’ open to all, sparing none

Dy emphasized that transparency and accountability should apply to all government institutions, including the House.

“Nothing needs to be hidden if nothing wrong is being done. Nothing should be feared if the intention is to serve sincerely,” he said.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

“The budget is the people’s money. It’s their right to know how it’s being spent,” he added. /atm