House Leaders Call to Return 2026 National Expenditures Program
Party leaders in the House of Representatives have strongly recommended sending back the 2026 National Expenditures Program (NEP) to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). They cited numerous issues with budget allocations that need urgent correction before approval.
During a recent briefing, Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno of the National Unity Party announced this move to House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. According to officials involved, the recommendation stems from serious concerns over the accuracy and relevance of the proposed budget items.
Concerns Over Outdated and Misallocated Funds
Sources reported that the decision followed Puno’s revelation last Friday about several projects included in the 2026 National Expenditures Program already being completed. This raised red flags about the budget’s reliability and current applicability.
Marikina Representative Marcelino Teodoro reportedly shared during hearings that he plans to return the budget to the DBM because it contained funding for projects that have long been finished. This insight prompted further scrutiny from other lawmakers.
Local Projects Missing and Budget Irregularities
Deputy Speaker Puno also examined the budget allocations for his own district — the 1st District of Antipolo. He discovered that certain projects previously funded through the district and regional engineering office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) no longer appeared in the NEP.
Community members noted this omission could affect ongoing infrastructure and development efforts, highlighting the need for a thorough review of the budget’s contents.
Next Steps for the 2026 National Expenditures Program
Officials reported that returning the NEP to the DBM aims to ensure the proposed budget reflects current priorities and eliminates redundant funding. This step is crucial to uphold fiscal responsibility and transparency in government spending.
Lawmakers remain committed to carefully vetting the budget to avoid waste and to properly allocate resources for the nation’s needs in 2026.
For more news and updates on the 2026 National Expenditures Program, visit Filipinokami.com.
