Budget watchdog wary of closed-door negotiations

MANILA, Philippines — A budget watchdog on Tuesday expressed concern that changes to the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027 are already being negotiated behind closed doors, as it warned that any subsequent public hearings may be viewed as merely for show.

The House of Representatives is hoping to approve its version of the 2027 budget on third reading by next week. Proposed amendments are expected to be introduced by lawmakers, with any potential changes to be handled by a subcommittee before being voted on the floor on second reading.

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“Our honest worry is that they are doing the negotiations behind closed doors, and that the BARSc (budget amendments review subcommittee) is just a way to make the arranged things public already,” budget watchdog People’s Budget Coalition coconvener AJ Montesa told the Inquirer.

He urged the House to allow civil society groups to observe BARSc hearings in person, saying physical attendance is necessary to ensure “no side negotiations are taking place without full transparency.” —Kenneth Christiane Basilio