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CHR asks swift passage of bill including civil society groups in policy, budget processes
CHR asks swift passage of bill including civil society groups in policy, budget processes
Congress is urged to pass swiftly a bill that would include civil society organizations (CSOs) in the crafting of policy and budget processes which would enhance “transparency and accountability” in government.
In a statement, the CHR was referring to House Bill No. 7407 on “An Act Institutionalizing the Participation of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the Preparation and Authorization Process of the Annual National Budget, Providing Effective Mechanisms Therefore and for Other Purposes.”
In said the bill has been passed by the House of Representatives on third and final reading early this August.
CHR Spokesperson and lawyer Jacqueline Ann de Guia said “this proposal enriches public participation, not only in the implementation of programs and projects -- akin to the provisions of the Local Government Code -- but also institutionalizes grassroots participation and better accountability for public funds,”
"In this way, the bill lends a louder voice to civil society so that taxes redound to communities’ benefit by funding initiatives that genuinely address problems on the ground,” De Guia said.
With their participation, the CSOs will be able to provide in-depth knowledge on policy issues concerning public needs and priorities through its grassroots networks, communities, and various sectors, she said.
Thus, she added, the CSOs will be able to play an "integral role" not only in policies and public service delivery, but also in constructing a more open and participatory democratic society.
"With access to budget information and budgeting processes, CSOs can also call out inappropriate programs and policies that waste the public’s money and mitigate corrupt practices within institutions," De Guia said.
Since budgetary processes have a direct impact on the realization of human rights and social justice, the CSOs will be given the chance to change the lives of Filipinos -- particularly those belonging to the marginalized and deprived sectors of society, she stressed.
"The CHR has expressed hope that the new measure will lead the way in mainstreaming the principles of participation, equity, and social justice into our budget processes. We hope the Senate can equally support this measure,” she added.