15/07/2026
"Subcommittee on Special Laws to Review HB 8520 – Bill Seeks to Codify Philippine Budgeting Laws Into Integrated Public Financial Management System"
MANILA – The Subcommittee on Special Laws (Revision of Laws), chaired by Hon. Emigdio III P. Tanjuatco, has scheduled a review of House Bill (HB) 8520, a measure filed by Rep. Albert Garcia that aims to codify all laws related to Philippine budgeting through the establishment of a comprehensive integrated system for planning, programming, budgeting, management, accounting, and reporting in public financial management.
The bill, listed as the subcommittee’s key agenda item for its upcoming hearing, seeks to streamline and unify existing regulations governing how public funds are planned, allocated, managed, and reported across all government agencies. Currently, budgeting and financial management processes are governed by multiple separate laws, which can lead to inconsistencies and inefficiencies in implementation.
In his explanatory note, Rep. Garcia stated that the proposed integrated system will ensure greater transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in the use of public resources.
"Our current public financial management framework is fragmented, with different rules applying to different stages of the budget cycle," Rep. Garcia said. "By codifying these laws into a single integrated system, we can create clearer guidelines, reduce duplication of efforts, and make it easier for both government officials and the public to track how taxpayer money is being used."
The measure covers all aspects of public financial management, from long-term planning and program design to budget allocation, implementation, accounting, and performance reporting. It also includes provisions for strengthening internal controls, enhancing data management systems, and ensuring regular audits of government funds.
Chairperson Tanjuatco emphasized that the subcommittee will conduct a thorough review of the bill to ensure it aligns with existing legal frameworks and addresses the needs of both government and the public.
"Codifying our budgeting laws is a significant step toward improving governance and building public trust in how we manage public funds," Hon. Tanjuatco said. "We will invite representatives from the Department of Budget and Management, Commission on Audit, and other key agencies to provide input during our hearings, as well as stakeholders from civil society to ensure all perspectives are considered."
The subcommittee has not yet announced a specific date for the hearing, but stated that it will be scheduled within the next month to allow sufficient time for stakeholders to prepare their inputs. Copies of HB 8520 are available for public review on the House of Representatives official website.