Executive Secretary Challenges House Members
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin strongly criticized members of the House of Representatives for attempts to deflect blame for corruption and budget failures onto the executive branch. He urged them to “clean their own house first,” emphasizing the need for accountability within the legislature.
In a firm statement, Bersamin condemned the efforts of certain House members to shift responsibility, saying the Cabinet “strongly objects to the recent spins from certain members of the House of Representatives who are thereby attempting to shift the blame for their own corruption and failures onto the Executive branch.” He added that the Cabinet would not tolerate any attacks on the reputation and integrity of the executive branch or political maneuvers that hold the budget process hostage.
Calls for Accountability Amid Budget Disputes
Bersamin stressed that investigations into anomalies would be ineffective if sources of corruption remain unchecked. “Hence, we urge the House of Representatives to heed the demand of the people for full accountability: Clean your house first!” he declared.
This statement comes amid a recent move by House party leaders, led by Deputy Speaker and Antipolo Representative Ronaldo Puno, to return the National Expenditure Program (NEP) to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). They cited several problematic provisions in the proposal that needed revision before deliberations could proceed.
Concerns Over the National Expenditure Program
Puno explained that the recommendation to Speaker Martin Romualdez aimed to ensure the national budget is allocated properly, transparently, and free of corruption. “We believe that at this point the NEP submitted by the DBM falls short of that standard,” he said.
The NEP is prepared by the Executive branch and submitted to Congress as a basis for the General Appropriations Bill, which eventually becomes the General Appropriations Act after approval. This process is crucial for the proper allocation of government funds.
Moving Forward with Budget Deliberations
Despite the earlier call to return the NEP, the House appropriations committee chair and Nueva Ecija Representative Mikaela Suansing announced that party leaders decided to drop the proposal and proceed with scheduled budget discussions.
Instead, they requested the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to review and overhaul its proposed 2026 budget of P881 billion. This move follows concerns raised by senators about redundant line items and projects already marked as complete.
Looking Ahead
The ongoing budget debate highlights the tension between branches of government and the pressing demand for transparency and accountability. Officials and community members alike emphasize the importance of resolving corruption issues within their own ranks to ensure the integrity of the nation’s budget process.
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