Civil society groups decry exclusion from 2027 budget deliberations

MANILA — Civil society organizations tracking government spending have voiced concerns about their limited access to congressional budget deliberations, citing procedural barriers that keep them from participating in House of Representatives scrutiny of the P7.2-trillion 2027 national budget.

Representatives from budget watchdog groups and policy analysts said Wednesday that the exclusion undermines public oversight of the budget process during a critical juncture. The House entered its second week of budget hearings with rules that continue to restrict civil society participation, they noted.

The restrictions have raised questions about the openness of budget deliberations at a time when monitoring groups argue their input is essential for ensuring fiscal accountability. Budget experts have long emphasized that civil society engagement strengthens democratic oversight of public finances and helps identify spending priorities that reflect public interest.

The House's budget committee typically sets parameters for who may attend or testify during budget hearings. Civil society advocates have called for greater flexibility in these rules to allow independent observers and analysts to contribute to the process, particularly given the size and significance of the national budget.