House Majority Leader Commits to Upholding Budget Integrity
MANILA, Philippines — House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos vowed to block any budget proposal that strays significantly from the National Expenditures Program (NEP). This firm stance aligns closely with the directives of his father, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., emphasizing fiscal discipline and adherence to the administration’s priorities.
During a recent ambush interview, Marcos stressed his determination to prevent the passage of a budget bill heavily mutated or deviating too far from the NEP. “I will not allow a budget on the floor to pass that is a mutation of the NEP or that has become too far off from the NEP. As majority leader, I won’t allow that,” he declared.
Presidential Warning on Budget Deviations
The president himself has underscored the importance of aligning the 2025 budget with government programs. Amid rising concerns about questionable reallocations, especially toward flood control projects, the president warned lawmakers that any national budget not conforming to the administration’s agenda would not receive his signature—even if it means reenacting the previous budget.
Officials noted that this warning came amid growing scrutiny over alleged irregularities in the 2025 budget, including blank items in the bicameral conference report and last-minute insertions favoring flood control initiatives.
Budget Realignment and Constitutional Powers
When asked if his position encroaches on Congress’ constitutional power to realign funds, Marcos clarified that it is indeed the House’s prerogative to assess agency fund utilization rates. He explained that budget adjustments should be based on actual utilization to ensure efficient allocation.
“Well, it’s the prerogative of the House to pull from certain agencies that haven’t been utilizing their funds. You can see that. It’s called utilization rate. This means if an agency is given P10, if you were only able to spend P5 for a year, then why would give you another P10 if you will not use it? We will just allocate it to another agency who can use these funds,” he said.
He added that while the House has the authority to reallocate funds, excessive deviations—as reportedly happened last year—must be avoided. This explains the president’s readiness to reenact the budget if amendments go too far.
Concerns Over Flood Control Projects and Corruption
Flood control programs have been a contentious issue during budget deliberations. Community members and officials alike have raised questions about the effectiveness of these projects and potential corruption involving government officials and contractors.
Senator Panfilo Lacson highlighted that nearly half of the nearly P2 trillion allocated for flood control since 2011 may have been lost to corrupt practices. This alarming claim has intensified calls for transparency and reform in budget processes.
Calls for Greater Transparency and Budget Reforms
In response, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez advocated for reforms such as opening bicameral conference committee meetings to public scrutiny. This move aims to enhance transparency and public trust in budget negotiations.
Further reform efforts were announced by House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Mikaela Suansing. She pledged to push for three key reforms: abolishing the “small committee,” opening bicameral conference meetings for public viewing, and allowing civil society organizations to observe proceedings and voice concerns.
Suansing explained that instead of a small committee, a subcommittee will be established at the start of budget deliberations. This group will include senior appropriations members, party nominees, and minority representatives to review proposed amendments from the executive branch.
Additionally, certain days will be set aside during the budget process for civil society groups to comment and propose amendments to the NEP or budget, ensuring broader participation and accountability.
Looking Ahead
The commitment of House leaders to uphold the integrity of the budget, combined with calls for greater transparency and public involvement, marks a significant shift toward more accountable governance. As the 2025 budget deliberations continue, these reforms may help restore public confidence and ensure that funds are allocated efficiently and ethically.
For more news and updates on budget reforms, visit Filipinokami.com.
