Tradition can often be a double-edged sword, one blade glistening with heritage, the other, rusted by outdated practices. In the Philippine Congress, one enduring tradition is seen as feeding the rust — approving the national budget even before final amendments are introduced. This article delves into why this practice raises alarms for transparency and corruption vulnerabilities in governance.

The Enigma of Early Approval

Imagine crafting a masterpiece, only to decide its fate before the final brushstroke has touched the canvas. This is the basis of concern in the Philippine House of Representatives, where lawmakers cast their votes for the national budget before knowing its completed form. According to Rappler, this practice not only mystifies constituents but also baffles critics who question what is actually approved.

The Role of the Small Committee

At the heart of this controversy lies the infamous ‘small committee’ — a group of just a few select lawmakers responsible for integrating individual amendments post-approval. Despite the weight of their role, their sessions occur behind closed doors, veiled from public scrutiny. This opacity lends itself to criticisms of potential manipulation and insertion of pork-barrel projects without public oversight.

A History of Discontent

Such practices are not a novel development. This tradition, which dates back to at least 2010, has elicited long-standing criticism from politicians like Congressman Toby Tiangco. He argues against the committee’s unchecked power likening it to receiving a blank check. The call for open and transparent budgeting processes has grown only louder as the budget process continues under Speaker Martin Romualdez’s leadership.

The President’s Stance

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has taken a bold stance, refusing to sign any budget proposal from the House unless it aligns with his administration’s agenda. His expectations of a reenacted budget rather than one tainted with ‘insertions’ signaled a demand for reform that could not be ignored. The House has since expressed their intent to scrap the small committee to bolster transparency, setting guidelines for future amendments and ensuring the process is open to public participation and civil oversight.

The Call for Transparency

As public pressure mounts, there is hope for a systematic overhaul in the budget process — a step towards genuine transparency and accountability. House Deputy Minority Leader Antonio Tinio embodies the urgency of this reform, stressing the clarity needed in public understanding of government spending. Without skepticism and tradition shrouding the process, there could indeed be brighter days on the horizon for Philippine governance.

By revealing the shadows cast by tradition, the Philippine Congress has a chance to redefine its legacy, promising transparency in how people’s money is allocated. Let us hope they seize this moment to modernize their legislative processes, assuring citizens that their trust has not been misplaced.