Economic Team Opens DBCC Dialogue to Civil Society for Inclusive Budget Planning

In a move toward greater transparency and inclusivity, the Marcos administration’s economic team has initiated its first formal dialogue with civil society organizations (CSOs) to refine the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) process.

Held on May 21, the dialogue, titled “Macroeconomic Insights for National Action,” gathered representatives from 15 CSOs and was facilitated by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), in partnership with the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP). The DBCC is responsible for setting the Philippines’ macroeconomic assumptions, fiscal targets, and budget priorities.

DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Marcos’ call to make national budgeting more transparent and responsive to public concerns.

Other key officials who joined the panel included DOF Undersecretary Domini Velasquez, BSP Deputy Governor Zeno Abenoja, and other senior economists. They provided insights into current economic trends, revenue strategies, and monetary policy.

Velasquez shared that the government needs to raise P12.72 billion daily to support the 2025 budget, with only P4.64 trillion covered by revenue. She detailed a three-point strategy focused on tax reforms, improved collection, and expanded public-private partnerships to close the gap.

CSO participants raised issues on taxation, budget transparency, digital transformation, and the need for greater access to information. The economic team committed to integrating these insights into future planning, signaling a stronger push for participatory governance.