Manila, July 29 -- House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Tuesday declared a new era of transparency and public accountability in government budgeting, unveiling historic reforms that include opening the traditionally closed bicameral conference committee (bicam) to civil society observers.

Speaking before his colleagues at the plenary session of the 20th Congress, Romualdez said the House would take the lead in reshaping how government funds are spent and safeguarded.

"We will seek to open the bicameral budget conference to civil society observers - a historic first. Because transparency is not just a value; it is a weapon against corruption. This reform will not only earn public trust but will also strengthen i...