In a bid to make the national budgeting process more transparent and participatory, Senator Win Gatchalian has called on civil society organizations (CSOs) to take an active role in reviewing and shaping the national budget.

During a public hearing with CSOs, Gatchalian — who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance — invited concrete proposals that could be included as special provisions in next year’s General Appropriations Act (GAA) to institutionalize public engagement and oversight.

“This is the first time we’re having consultations with CSOs. We’re thinking of improving engagement with sectoral CSOs,” Gatchalian said, emphasizing that broader participation is key to ensuring that public funds are spent effectively and transparently.

The senator is pushing to make all budget-related data publicly accessible, from the National Expenditure Program (NEP) — the executive’s spending plan — to the final version of the GAA, including all amendments made during the bicameral conference.

CSO representatives welcomed the initiative and suggested that funds initially allotted for Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) infrastructure projects be realigned to critical sectors such as education, health, and transport — an approach Gatchalian has also supported in previous statements.

By opening the budget process to civil society participation, Gatchalian said he hopes to promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and shared responsibility in managing the nation’s finances.