Senate pushes 'Bantay Budget' bill to expand CSO role in budget process

MANILA — Senate Finance Committee Chairperson JV Ejercito has filed Senate Bill No. 2576, commonly known as the "Bantay Budget Act," to formally include civil society organizations in the national budget preparation process. The measure was introduced during a committee session on Monday as lawmakers moved to solicit input from various CSOs on the proposed legislation.

The bill represents an effort to strengthen democratic participation in fiscal planning by establishing mechanisms for organized civil society to review, evaluate, and provide recommendations during the budget formulation stages. Proponents argue that enhanced CSO involvement can improve transparency in government spending and ensure that budgetary priorities align with the needs of communities nationwide.

The Senate finance committee is expected to conduct consultations with multiple CSOs as it moves to develop the bill further. These stakeholder engagements will aim to refine the proposal's provisions and address concerns from various sectors of Philippine civil society before advancing it to the full chamber for consideration.

The initiative aligns with broader efforts to strengthen budget oversight mechanisms in Congress and enhance public participation in fiscal governance. Officials have indicated that the measure could serve as a model for institutionalizing CSO engagement across other aspects of the legislative process.