PASAY CITY—The Philippine Senate on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, passed on second reading the proposed Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act. The legislation, deemed a priority following a Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting just the day before, is poised to reshape public access to government finances. 

This swift action reflects a clear legislative commitment to addressing long-standing calls for greater oversight in public spending, catapulting the bill through the chamber and closer to becoming law.

The core feature of the CADENA Act is the establishment of a CADENA Digital Budget Portal.  This online platform is designed to be a one-stop shop for citizens seeking comprehensive data on the national budget. 

It guarantees public access across all critical phases of the budgetary process, from initial budget planning and preparation to legislation, authorization, procurement, execution, and final fund management. 

This level of mandated disclosure promises to open up previously unclear government spending records, placing the power of oversight directly into the hands of the Filipino public.

By successfully hurdling the second reading, Senate Bill No. 1506 has reaffirmed its status as a landmark transparency measure. The bill’s momentum, energized by its inclusion in the recent LEDAC agenda attended by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and congressional leaders, signals strong executive and legislative backing. 

Its proponents argue the CADENA portal will serve as a powerful deterrent against corruption and misuse of public funds, transforming the way Filipinos monitor and engage with their government’s financial operations.