A day after vowing to pass the proposed 2021 national budget in record time next month, Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday boasted that the House of Representatives will make history by allowing the public to “directly participate” in the budget hearings.
Budget hearings to be conducted thru face-to-face and virtual system, will start Friday under the Committee on Appropriations chaired by ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Eric Go Yap.
Despite the hybrid proceedings, Cayetano said he expects the Lower House to pass the budget measure by the end of September 30 and with the views of the public taken into consideration.
“Since the start of this pandemic, Congress has taken advantage of these new technologies to continue doing our work. Now, as we deliberate on the budget, we can use these same systems to allow our fellow citizens -- not just to watch -- but to directly participate in the process,” Cayetano said in a statement.
The House leader said that public participation is the "best way to ensure accountability among public officials” as it guarantees transparency.
"Just like with the OFWs and the programs of the DFA, we want people to help us scrutinize not just the budget but also Congress,” said Cayetano who had a stint as foreign affairs secretary.
The Speaker urged the public to use the social media and other platforms to air their views on the proposed P4.506-trillion national appropriations measure.
He underscored the need for Congress to consider the inputs of the public, noting that ideas from them were sought and considered during the crafting of the now-ratified Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2).
“We are the House of the People. We will be discussing the people’s money so the people should have a voice. They should be able to give us their opinion, tell us what they want us to prioritize, and witness the process firsthand,” he stressed.
Cayetano, who will step down as Speaker in October, added: “This also goes to show our transparency and accountability to our constituents,”