Civil society organizations have issued a scathing rebuke of the House Committee on Appropriations’ Budget Amendments Review Subcommittee (BARC), accusing it of operating as a “rubber stamp” for opaque budget realignments and systematically excluding public participation—especially youth voices—in the national budget process.

The statement, released in response to a closed-door BARC meeting that tackled the realignment of P255 billion in flood control funds from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 2026 budget, condemned what it called “fake inclusion” and “performative gestures” that betray the public trust.

“What happened yesterday is not an oversight. It’s betrayal,” the statement read.

Despite House Resolution No. 94, which formally invites people’s organizations to participate as non-voting observers, civil society groups say they continue to be blocked from meaningful engagement. Hearings are reportedly held without prior notice, documents are withheld, and decisions are made in secrecy.

The Budget Amendments Review Subcommittee, originally intended to scrutinize budget realignments, is now being criticized for rushing decisions and bypassing consultation. According to the statement, amendments are sent to lawmakers via text at the last minute, leaving no time for review before plenary deliberations.

This has sparked concern that BARC is functioning as a “new small committee”—a term historically associated with opaque, backroom budget negotiations that lack transparency and accountability.

The statement calls for urgent reforms to restore democratic integrity in the budget process, including:

– Genuine participation of civil society in all stages of budget deliberation 

– Full transparency of proposals, insertions, and allocations 

– Accountability for those who manipulate or exclude public voices 

– Evidence-based planning that prioritizes long-term, life-saving programs over short-term political gains 

The groups warn that continued exclusion will deepen inequalities and put lives at risk, especially in flood-prone communities, underfunded schools, and overcrowded hospitals.

“Livestreams and token observers do not equal transparency,” they said. “We will not accept fake inclusion.”

As the 2026 budget process unfolds, civil society is calling on Congress and relevant agencies to uphold their commitments to transparency and public engagement. Whether BARC will respond to these demands—or continue to operate in the shadows—remains to be seen.