Full transparency in 2027 budget sought

Manila, Philippines – The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) is calling for full transparency and accountability in the 2027 budget process, urging government agencies to utilize public funds responsibly. The Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) is recommending the Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act as a priority legislative measure for approval under the current Congress.

MAP emphasizes that public trust in government has been severely damaged by corruption, questionable projects, and misuse of government resources, and these issues must be addressed to maintain the credibility and trust in the government's ability to manage public resources. The group stresses that the budget is not the government's money but belongs to the people, who include Filipino workers, consumers, businesses, and future generations who will bear the debt.

MAP urges the government to uphold transparency and accountability in the entire budget process, demanding the disclosure of all amendments and insertions made during congressional deliberations and the bicameral conference. They also call for the adoption of digital transparency technologies to make government expenditures traceable and tamper-resistant, allowing citizens to track public money from appropriation to implementation.

DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan has stated that he will advocate for the inclusion of the CADENA Act in the list of priority legislative measures.