Lacson pushes for continuous camera coverage during budget committee breaks

MANILA — Senator Panfilo Lacson has proposed maintaining continuous camera coverage during breaks in budget discussions to safeguard the integrity of the 2027 national budget measure.

Lacson's recommendation focuses on the bicameral conference committee phase of budget deliberations, where lawmakers from the Senate and House of Representatives convene to reconcile differing versions of the spending bill. The senator noted that similar proceedings last year were marked by frequent suspensions, creating windows of opportunity for backroom dealings.

"When the budget bill reaches the bicam, as what happened last year, there were many suspensions where lawmakers would step away from proceedings," Lacson explained, underlining the potential vulnerability during these breaks.

By keeping livestream feeds active throughout all phases of committee work—including suspension periods—Lacson believes transparency can be maintained and accountability strengthened. The proposal reflects broader legislative efforts to combat corruption and ensure public oversight of budget-related negotiations that determine government spending allocations affecting millions of Filipinos.

The senator's initiative comes as lawmakers prepare for the budget cycle for the incoming administration, with transparency advocates emphasizing the need for robust safeguards in the appropriations process.