Manila, July 1 -- Senators have filed bills calling to allow the public to join the budget deliberations of the bicameral conference committee, saying these needs transparency.

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday filed a bill seeking to institutionalize civil society organizations' participation in the preparation of the national budget.

To date, both the Senate and House of Representatives allow the watching the budget proposal proceedings but discussions during the bicam are off-limits.

"Without underestimating and undermining the capacities of elected representatives in crafting a budget that is needed by a particular locality, this bill gives full play to the people's right to participate in all levels of social, political and econom...