The House of Representatives on Monday released interim guidelines allowing people’s organizations (POs) and civil society groups (CSOs) to take part in the national budget process while permanent rules or legislation are being prepared.
Under Memorandum Circular No. 20-002, which operationalizes House Resolution No. 94, accredited groups can observe committee and plenary hearings, access materials presented during deliberations, submit written position papers, and present consolidated views at designated points.
“The national budget is our clearest statement of priorities. At kapag kasama natin ang mga CSOs at POs sa pagbuo nito, mas masisiguro natin na ang bawat piso mapupunta sa tunay na pangangailangan ng bansa’t mamamayan,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said. “Sa bawat pisong ilalaan sa programa’t proyekto, may kasamang partisipasyon ng mamamayan. The national budget should truly reflect the people’s dreams and aspirations.”
To implement the rules, the House Secretariat formed a Task Force on People’s Participation, composed of various House offices, to handle accreditation, orientations, and submissions. Accredited groups—up to two representatives each—must undergo orientation on decorum, security, and access protocols before joining proceedings.
Observers may submit position papers within 48 hours of an agency’s budget hearing for inclusion in official records. Livestreams and archives of hearings will also be made available to the public, with in-person gallery access managed as needed.
“We are working on the most open Congress in recent memory,” Romualdez added.
House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said the interim rules will apply for one budget cycle. Afterward, results will be reviewed with civil society partners to design a permanent framework for participatory budgeting.
“The lessons learned will help us design a permanent framework for participatory budgeting, ensuring that this reform becomes a lasting feature of the House of Representatives,” Velasco said.
