Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has filed a bill seeking to formally include civil society organizations (CSOs) in the preparation and deliberation of the national budget.

Pangilinan filed Senate Bill No. 1741, or the People’s Participation in the National Budget proposing to make budget deliberations more transparent, inclusive, and accountable by ensuring regular CSO participation throughout the budget cycle.

In the bill’s explanatory note, Pangilinan said CSOs have become key partners in public budgeting because they provide real-time information on local needs and help assess the actual impact of government programs.

He also cited past budget controversies as proof of the need for greater transparency and stronger citizen involvement in the budget process. According to Pangilinan, credible CSO participation can help improve oversight and accountability.

The bill seeks to institutionalize CSO participation by setting a clear and transparent framework, including safeguards for accreditation. Pangilinan said this would help ensure that the national budget promotes inclusive growth and equitable development.

While CSOs were allowed to take part in Senate deliberations on the proposed 2026 national budget, Pangilinan noted that their participation has largely depended on existing practices. This has led to inconsistent levels of engagement across government agencies.

To address this, the proposed measure covers all national government agencies (NGAs) and government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs).

Under the bill, CSOs must apply for accreditation with the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Judiciary, constitutional offices, and other concerned offices. CSOs seeking to join the budget processes of NGAs and GOCCs may also file accreditation with the respective agencies.

Once accredited, CSOs may participate as resource persons in budget hearings conducted by Senate and House committees, subject to guidelines to be issued by Congress.

The bill also grants accredited CSOs participation rights similar to those given to non-government organizations in Local Development Councils. These include receiving notices of hearings, attending budget deliberations, accessing budget proposals and related documents, submitting position papers and proposed budgets, and reviewing committee reports and other official records related to the budget process.