House Leaders Affirm Budget Deliberations Amid Controversy
House of Representatives officials confirmed that budget deliberations will continue as scheduled despite party leaders recommending the return of the National Expenditures Program (NEP) to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). The ongoing budget process, they said, reflects the government’s commitment to transparency and proper allocation of funds.
Newly appointed chairperson of the House committee on appropriations, Nueva Ecija 1st District Rep. Mikaela Suansing, emphasized that all budget hearings will proceed from September 4 to 16. She stated, “With the concurrence of the Party Leaders, all budget hearings will proceed as scheduled, from tomorrow, September 4, until September 16.”
Scheduled Budget Hearings Focus on Key Departments
Officials reported that the appropriations panel will review the proposed budgets of the Department of Health and the Department of Transportation starting Thursday. These discussions are crucial for ensuring that funds are properly allocated to vital sectors.
Concerns Over Budget Allocations Spark Party Leaders’ Recommendation
Party leaders, led by Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno, raised concerns over multiple issues within the current budget allocations. They recommended to Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez that the NEP be sent back to the DBM for revision due to problematic allocations across various agencies.
During a press briefing, Puno explained that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was found to have allocations for projects that were already completed. This problem, he noted, appears to be widespread in other government agencies as well.
Potential Consequences of Not Returning NEP
Puno warned that if the House continues with the current budget process without returning the NEP to the DBM, the chamber will likely have to make numerous amendments through errata. Such actions, he cautioned, could lead to suspicions of irregular budget realignments.
Furthermore, Deputy Speaker Puno disclosed that party leaders have advised their members to refrain from attending budget deliberations until these concerns are resolved.
Examples of Budget Allocation Issues Highlighted
Last Friday, Puno cited the case of Marikina Rep. Marcelino Teodoro, who pointed out that the 2026 NEP contained funds for projects already completed. This prompted Puno to review allocations in his own district, Antipolo’s first district, where he found that some projects previously funded by the DPWH regional engineering office were missing from the NEP.
In response, the Antipolo lawmaker filed House Resolution No. 201, calling for an investigation into the sponsors behind alleged “ghost” flood control projects included in the 2025 national budget.
President Marcos Calls for Budget Transparency and Accountability
Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s condemnation of government officials and contractors accused of receiving kickbacks from flood control projects, calls for greater budget scrutiny intensified. In his fourth State of the Nation Address, Marcos warned lawmakers that he would not approve any national budget misaligned with the administration’s programs, even if it meant reenacting the previous budget.
House Implements Reforms to Enhance Budget Process
In response, the House has initiated reforms to improve the budget-making process. These measures include allowing third-party observers to monitor deliberations, removing the special committee, and opening bicameral conference committee meetings to the public. Such steps aim to foster transparency and restore public trust in government spending.
For more news and updates on budget deliberations, visit Filipinokami.com.
