Imagine logging onto a government website and seeing in real time exactly how your tax money is spent every contract, every project, every peso accounted for. That is the vision behind a new measure filed by Senator Bam Aquino SBN 1330, also called the Blockchain the Budget Bill.
“Bawat piso, kita ng publiko,” Aquino said. “Walang tago. Walang lusot. Bawat kontrata, bawat proyekto kayang i-track, i-audit, at unawain ng bawat Pilipino.” He urged citizens and lawmakers alike to rally behind the bill.
“SUPORTAHAN ang SBN 1330 o ang Blockchain the Budget Bill para sa mas efficient, transparent, at accountable na pamahalaan.”
At the core of the proposal is blockchain technology the digital ledger system that underpins cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
Unlike traditional databases, blockchain records are decentralized, immutable, and transparent meaning once a transaction is entered it cannot be altered without leaving a permanent trail.
Reddit reviews say this makes it nearly impossible to hide or manipulate financial records. For the Philippine government implementing blockchain could transform public finance.
Every procurement contract, infrastructure project, and departmental expenditure could be securely recorded, publicly accessible, and auditable in real time.
Citizens, journalists, and watchdog groups would be able to verify how funds are used, potentially reducing corruption and boosting public trust.
Globally, blockchain is gaining traction as a tool for government transparency. Countries like Estonia and Georgia have experimented with blockchain-based land registries, while others have piloted digital platforms to track social welfare disbursements.
Aquino’s proposal seeks to bring the Philippines into that conversation, modernizing how public funds are monitored.
The system, however, would need to integrate with existing financial processes and ensure accessibility for citizens who are not technologically savvy.
