Manila: Sen. Win Gatchalian on Wednesday vowed that the proposed PHP6.79-trillion national budget for 2026 will usher in a ‘golden age of transparency,’ as the Senate introduced several unprecedented reforms to ensure full public access to budget documents and prevent misuse of funds.

According to Philippines News Agency, in sponsoring House Bill No. 4058, or the 2026 General Appropriations Act, Gatchalian said the new transparency measures aim to rebuild public trust following controversies over alleged corruption in infrastructure spending.

‘The first step towards rebuilding the trust of our people is showing them through specific and concrete actions that their hard-earned money will be used responsibly, and that they know exactly where it is going,’ he said.

Among the reforms cited is the establishment of the Senate Budget Transparency Portal, which provides livestreams of budget hearings, agency presentations, transcripts, and copies of the National Expenditure Program and House General Appropriations Bill in full and machine-readable formats.

The portal also allows citizens to submit feedback and position papers. Gatchalian said this marks the first time that the public will have access to the complete budget process-from the initial National Expenditure Program to bicameral conference deliberations.

He also noted that the Senate has moved to reduce unprogrammed funds, which have become ‘a magnet for corruption.’ From the House’s PHP243-billion allocation, it was reduced to PHP174.5 billion under the Senate version, a cut of PHP68.5 billion.

Gatchalian said the overall budget was scrutinized ‘with a fine-tooth comb’ through technical working groups and committee hearings attended by all senators to ensure accountability and responsiveness. ‘The national budget is more than a purse-it is the reflection of our people’s aspirations. Progress without integrity is hollow, and integrity without progress is an unfulfilled promise,’ he said.