Manila: The Office of the Ombudsman on Wednesday voiced its support for the decision to livestream the bicameral conference committee proceedings on the 2026 national budget. ‘The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) welcomes and fully supports the decision of the Bicameral Conference Committee to livestream its proceedings. Transparency in legislative deliberations strengthens public trust and ensures that accountability remains at the heart of governance,’ Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said in a statement.

According to Philippines News Agency, the OMB encourages practices of openness and transparency, as they allow citizens to better understand and engage with the democratic process. ‘By opening its doors to public view, the Bicameral Committee affirms that democracy thrives best when its processes are seen, understood, and scrutinized by the very people it serves. The Ombudsman commends this initiative as a meaningful step toward a more open, participatory, and responsible government,’ the OMB spokesperson said.

‘It is hoped that this initiative will not be an exception to the rule, but rather a standard practice and the norm moving forward.’ President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier said livestreaming the proceedings – a first in Philippine legislative history – is eyed to prevent last-minute insertions and backroom ‘small committee’ deals that have long stirred controversy. Marcos stressed that all appropriations reflected in the current version of the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) passed by the House of Representatives are aligned with the executive’s National Expenditure Program.