Lacson: Keep cameras rolling during budget talks suspension

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo Lacson suggested keeping livestream cameras rolling even when budget deliberations are suspended to prevent corruption from creeping into the 2027 budget measure.

His proposal was specifically aimed at bicameral conference committee proceedings.

“When the budget bill reaches the bicam, as what happened last year, there were many suspensions where lawmakers were whispering in a corner, away from the cameras. So I’d like to propose that in the bicam, the cameras keep rolling even during a suspension of the proceedings so the public will know what is being discussed,” he said in an interview on radio dwIZ on Sunday.

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READ: Lacson to investigate P5M allocation fund allegedly offered by TESDA

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He also called for fewer suspensions during bicameral deliberations, saying these could allow lawmakers to engage in behind-the-scenes discussions beyond the cameras’ reach.

“Suspensions should be avoided because they allow opportunities for whispering and bargaining. Suspensions should be made so lawmakers can answer the call of nature, not to engage in whispered discussions,” Lacson said.

His proposal came as he warned other government agencies against brazenly offering budget funds to senators, following his disclosure of a P5-million “allocation fund” offer linked to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

TESDA Director-General Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez denied authorizing a P5-million allocation for Lacson. /mcm