House Minority Leader 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Nonoy Libanan is fully backing Speaker Martin Romualdez's bold proposal to once and for all open to the public the Bicameral Conference Committee deliberations on the national budget.

“We fully support the Speaker’s initiative to shine a light on one of the most crucial and sensitive phases of the budget process. Allowing the public to witness the bicam discussions upholds the principle that citizens have a right to know how their money is being allocated, Libanan said in a statement Sunday, June 29.

The further described the proposal as a bold step forward for transparency and democratic accountability.

Speaker Romualdez, who had been reelected as Leyte's 1st district representative, had suggested livestreaming as a way give public access to the bicam hearings on the national budget.

The hearings--which intend to harmonize the House of Representatives and Senate versions of the budget measure--are historically carried out behind closed doors.

Suffice it to say, the ball is now in the Senate's court and it must respond sooner or later on whether or not it agrees with Romualdez's call for such unprecedented transparency.

“We commend the Speaker for this important initiative. Let us take this opportunity to set a new benchmark for public accountability. Once we open the door, let’s make sure it stays open, Libanan said.

“The national budget is the clearest expression of our priorities. It must be debated and finalized not behind closed doors, but in full view of the people whose lives will be most affected by it,” he said.

Libanan added that opening the bicam proceedings would promote fiscal discipline, discourage last-minute insertions and undue influence, and ultimately enhance public trust in the legislative process.

“In the end, a more transparent process elevates the quality of debate and negotiation and serves as a strong safeguard against the misuse of public funds,” said Libanan, who will return in the upcoming 20th Congress as the 4Ps Party-list representative.

“If we are to demand integrity and responsibility in government spending, it must begin with greater openness in the process,” he added. “Transparency is not just good governance — it is a moral obligation.”

The deliberations on the 2026 national budget is expected to begin around August this year at the House of Representatives.