Call for Constitutionally Sound Remedy on 2026 Budget
Manila officials and lawmakers are urging a constitutionally sound remedy for the 2026 proposed national budget. This call comes after House party leaders suggested returning the entire budget proposal back to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), raising concerns over possible delays in the budget approval process.
Sources said time is of the utmost essence in the deliberations for the 2026 budget, which began last month but now faces threats of postponement. The key issue revolves around whether Congress should return the National Expenditure Program (NEP) to the DBM or if the DBM should instead provide amendments or corrections.
Concerns Over Budget Delays and Institutional Functioning
Community members noted that paralysis in Congress due to fears of a re-enacted budget or an improperly approved appropriations bill must be avoided. “We must make our institutions work, and make them work for our people,” a local leader emphasized, highlighting the importance of timely and effective budget deliberations.
Deputy Speaker and Antipolo representative Ronaldo Puno and other senior lawmakers described the P6.793 trillion NEP as “mangled” and recommended its return to the executive branch. Puno explained, “We have to practically redo the entire submission to us, and we do not want to be suspected of any untoward action. So we have decided that in good conscience, we cannot begin deliberations on this national budget.”
Preserving Congressional Power of the Purse
Officials stressed that any solution to address the NEP’s issues must respect the constitution and uphold Congress’s power of the purse. A respected lawmaker had previously rejected a proposal to adopt the NEP in its entirety, noting that such a move would undermine the critical congressional duty to scrutinize the budget thoroughly.
“It is an even greater sin for the people if we have seen some mistakes, we have not corrected them or we have simply allowed them to be enacted,” the lawmaker added, underscoring the need for careful budget review to protect public interest.
Ongoing Budget Deliberations and Agency Reviews
As of Wednesday, several government agencies have completed their budget deliberations. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), whose proposed budget has been flagged for duplications, funding for completed projects, and identical amounts across items, is scheduled for further hearings on Friday.
Local leaders noted the urgency of resolving these issues to ensure smooth passage of the 2026 budget and to maintain public trust in government spending.
For more news and updates on the 2026 proposed national budget, visit Filipinokami.com.
