SEN. Imee Marcos has asked the Senate leadership to consider her recommendations seeking to make the bicameral conference committee on the proposed national budget more “collaborative and transparent.”
In a letter to Senate President Francis Escudero, through Committee on Finance chairperson Sen. Grace Poe, underscored the need to improve the crafting of the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) in time for the convening of the bicameral panel on November 28 to 30.
“This isn’t just about numbers, its about shaping the future of our country. All stakeholders must have the opportunity to weigh in on significant amendments to ensure we address the real needs of the Filipino people,” Marcos said.
In her letter, the presidential sister made four proposals “relative to the forthcoming bicameral conference committee to discuss the disagreeing votes of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the FY 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB).”
Marcos suggested that all sub-committee vice chairperson of the finance panel be named as members of the Senate delegation to the bicameral panel so they can participate in the discussions on the proposed amendments.
She likewise proposed that delegates from the Senate and the House of Representatives meet prior to the actual bicameral meetings; that the chairperson of the finance committee be obliged to inform and discuss with the vice chairs the proposed amendments to the budgets of the different agencies made during the bicameral discussions; and that all major amendments to the GAB be discussed openly among the bicameral members.
In a statement, Marcos said her proposals will ensure that there will be no more surprises in the final version of the national budget.
“It’s about time to change the bicam process. There should be transparency for the P6.352 trillion budget for 2025 and we must avoid, at all costs, last minute insertions and unpleasant surprises in our nation’s budget,” she said.
