APRIL 6, 2014

NR # 3428B

Peoples Participation in Budget Deliberation Act taking shape

The proposed law institutionalizing greater active citizens participation in the national and local government budget process is nearing plenary debate in Congress. The House Committee on Peoples Participation, chaired by Rep. Ben amin !. "silo #$st !istrict, %anila&, has recommended plenary approval o' HB ($$) in substitution o' HB *os. +,) authored by Reps. Cresente C. Paez #C--P.*"TCC- Party.list& and "nthony Bravo #C--P.*"TCC-&, and HB )/01 'iled by Rep. %aria 2eonor 3erona. Robredo #)rd !istrict, Camarines 4ur&. The substitute measure, as contained in Committee Report *o. $)/, states5 67t is hereby declared the policy o' the 4tate to recognize the role o' independent civil society organizations #C4-s& as e''ective participants in all levels o' social, political, and economic decision.ma8ing9..: 6HB ($$) would allow the e;ercise o' the peoples right to participate in public decision.ma8ing and in the process, enhance accountability in the use o' ta;payers money,: the authors stressed. The bill is now in the hands o' the Committee on Rules which will calendar 'loor debates 'ollowing resumption o' session in %ay. The proposed statute mandates that the application 'or accreditation o' civil society organizations be 'iled in the -''ice o' the 4ecretary o' the 4enate or the 4ecretary.3eneral o' the House o' Representatives or the 4ecretary o' the concerned national government agency #*3"&, and the 4ecretary to the respective 2ocal 4anggunian or 2ocal 3overnment <nits #23<s&. 2i8ewise, the measure authorizes the mentioned o''icials #4ecretaries& to cancel the certi'icate o' accreditation o' any civil society organization which has been 'ound guilty o' having procured their certi'icate by 'raud or deceit or through error. "mong others, the bill provides 'or penalties on persons violating the provisions o' the "ct = suspension ranging 'rom one #$& month to three #)& months, or a 'ine o' thirty thousand pesos #P)0,000& to 'i'ty thousand pesos #P10,000. The authors noted that the bill provides an accredited C4- the 'ollowing rights and privileges 'rom the government entity where they are accredited5 $& Receive notices o' hearings and consultations and>or call 'or written submissions? +& Participate in regular and consultative meetings or hearings relating to the annual budget through duly authorized representatives?

)& 4ubmit its own alternative or proposed budget, as well as, proposed alternative sources o' 'inancing on the pro ects, programs, and activities considered in the budget deliberation? (& 3ain access to copies o' bills or budget proposals 'iled in both Houses or 23<s concerned? 1& Present position papers or written proposals on pro ects and programs o' the concerned government entity? @& 3ain access to and ma8e copies o' the data coming 'rom the 4enate, the House o' Representatives, concerned *3", and>or the 2ocal Sanggunian, as applicable? and A& 4erve as resource persons during budget oversight. 2i8ewise, the measure provides the basis 'or accredited C4-s in choosing their representatives. The bill also directs Congress, concerned *3"s, and 23<s to post on the worldwide Beb and on other public posting areas pertinent documents o' the proposed budget, as enumerated in the bill. 7t also mandates the !epartment o' Budget and %anagement, in consultation with both chambers o' Congress, the !723, C4-s, and other agencies deemed necessary 'or the purpose, to issue the implementing rules and regulations #7RR&. "side 'rom principal authors Reps. Paez, Bravo, and 3erona.Robredo, the co. authors are Chairperson "silo, and Reps. *oel Cillanueva, %aria 2ourdes "costa."lba, Cinchona Cruz.3onzales, Dlisa 6-lga: T. Eho, 4amuel Pagdilao, Dmmi de Fesus, Binston Castelo, Fose Christopher Belmonte and !eogracias Ramos, Fr. #)0& dpt