REP. JAVI BENITEZ FILES G-HIVE BILL IN CONGRESS

Negros Occidental Third District Representative Javier Miguel Benitez has filed House Bill No. 6761, seeking to institutionalize full transparency and accountability in the national budget process through the creation of the Government Hub for Information and Verified Expenditures (G-HIVE), December 10.

The proposed measure mandates the consolidation of all national budget documents, including planning, legislation, execution, procurement, and audit records into a single, secure, and publicly accessible digital portal.

The House Bill aims to address gaps in the publication, accessibility, and traceability of fiscal information that currently hinder oversight and weaken public trust.

Government agencies will be required to upload expenditure-related documents within seven working days of issuance or completion, using structured, machine-readable formats with tamper-resistant technologies to ensure authenticity and prevent manipulation.

It will also establish clear governance and oversight through a National Budget Transparency and Accountability Council, which includes representatives from government, civil society, the media, and the private sector.

The Council will monitor compliance, enforce standards, and recommend improvements to transparency mechanisms across the national government.

House Bill No. 6761 also serves as the House counterpart of Senate Bill No. 1506 or the Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability Act (CADENA Act) filed by Senator Bam Aquino, whichlikewise proposes a unified and tamper-resistant digital system for the full disclosure government financial transactions.

Through this measure, Rep. Benitez seeks to strengthen transparency infrastructure, uphold the public’s constitutional right to information, and ensure the effective and accountable use of national resources. (JOJO SADIWA)