Recognizing the vital role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the preparation and deliberation of the Philippines’ annual budget, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has filed Senate Bill No. 1741, or the People’s Participation in the National Budget Process Act, seeking to institutionalize CSO participation in the national budget process.
Filed on Monday, February 2, the measure aims to ensure more transparent, inclusive, and accountable budget deliberations by formally integrating credible CSO engagement across the different stages of the budget cycle.
In the bill’s explanatory note, Pangilinan acknowledged that CSOs have become “key stakeholders” in public budgeting, noting their role in providing “real-time” data on local needs and on the actual impact of government programs and interventions.
“Past budget-related controversies have underscored the importance of transparency and citizen engagement in the budget process. These developments highlight the role of credible civil society participation as a complementary mechanism that strengthens oversight,” the explanatory note reads.
“This bill seeks to institutionalize CSO participation in the national budget process. By establishing a clear and transparent framework for engagement, including accreditation safeguards, it aims to strengthen fiscal transparency and accountability,” the explanatory note added. “Ultimately, it ensures that the national budget serves as a more effective instrument for inclusive growth and equitable development.”
While CSOs were allowed to participate in the Senate’s deliberations on the proposed 2026 national budget, Pangilinan noted that such engagement has largely depended on existing practices, resulting in varying levels of participation across government agencies.
To address this gap, the proposed measure covers the budget processes of all national government agencies (NGAs) and government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs).
Under the bill, CSOs will be required to seek accreditation from the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Judiciary, constitutional offices, the Office of the Secretary, the Secretary-General, the Supreme Court Clerk of Court, and the Office of the Chairperson. Accreditation for participation in the budget processes of NGAs and GOCCs may likewise be filed with their respective offices.
“Accredited CSOs, through their duly authorized representatives, shall, as far as practicable, be allowed to participate as resource persons in the budget hearings to be conducted by the appropriate Committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives, subject to the guidelines to be issued by both Houses of Congress,” the bill provides.
Under Pangilinan’s proposed measure, accredited CSOs shall be accorded participation rights similar to those granted to non-government organizations in Local Development Councils. These include receiving notices of and participating as resource persons in consultative public meetings, hearings, and conferences; attending budget deliberations; accessing copies of budget proposals; submitting position papers and proposed budgets; obtaining access to policy orders, circulars, and memoranda related to the budget; and reviewing committee reports, stenographic notes, and other officially released legislative documents pertaining to the budget process.