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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Ombudsman supports live-stream of Congress' deliberations on 2026 budget

Ombudsman supports live-stream of Congress' deliberations on 2026 budget

Published Oct 22, 2025 09:46 am
The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) expressed its full support to the decision of Congress’ Bicameral Conference Committee to live-stream its proceedings on budget deliberations.
"Transparency in legislative deliberations strengthens public trust and ensures that accountability remains at the heart of governance," the OMB said in a statement.
It said it encourages the practices of openness and transparency “as they allow citizens to better understand and engage with the democratic process.”
It expressed hopes that Congress’ initiative will not be an exception to the rule, but rather a standard practice and the norm moving forward.
President Marcos announced last Oct. 15 that Congress will be livestreaming its upcoming Bicameral Conference Committee meetings for the 2026 national budget.
The presidential announcement was agreed upon by Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III.
Also in its statement, the OMB commended the initiative of the Bicameral Committee as a "meaningful step" towards a participatory and responsible government.
Through this move, the OMB said the Bicameral Committee is likewise showing that democracy thrives best when its processes are seen, understood, and scrutinized by the very people it serves.
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