THE Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) has expressed full support for the decision of Congress’ Bicameral Conference Committee to livestream its proceedings on the 2026 national budget deliberations.
“Transparency in legislative deliberations strengthens public trust and ensures that accountability remains at the heart of governance,” the OMB said in a statement on Wednesday.
The agency said it encourages practices that promote openness and transparency, noting that these “allow citizens to better understand and engage with the democratic process.”
The Ombudsman also expressed hope that the livestreaming initiative would become a standard practice in future congressional deliberations.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier announced on October 15 that the Bicameral Conference Committee meetings for the 2026 national budget would be broadcast live online.
The decision was agreed upon by Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III.
In its statement, the Ombudsman described the committee’s move as a “meaningful step” toward a more participatory and accountable government, adding that democracy “thrives best when its processes are seen, understood, and scrutinized by the very people it serves.”