Speaker Promises Support for Budget-Making Process Reforms
MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has pledged full support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for reforms in the budget-making process. Emphasizing transparency, Romualdez stressed that the era of “backroom haggling” must end.
In a statement released Monday night, Romualdez affirmed his commitment to follow the President’s directive given during his fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona) to ensure the national budget aligns strictly with government priorities. This means a more open and accountable budget process, especially during bicameral conference committee meetings.
“The President’s message was clear: Make government work better for the people. As Speaker, I am committed to making sure the budget reflects that—every centavo must go where it’s needed most,” Romualdez said.
He added, “No backroom haggling. The people have every right to know how their money is being spent. If we want trust, we have to earn it, starting with an open bicam.”
Marcos Demands Budget Alignment with Priorities
During his Sona, President Marcos warned lawmakers from both chambers that he will not approve any national budget disconnected from the administration’s programs. He voiced concerns about the flood control program, highlighting that much of its budget had been lost to corruption.
“Therefore, for the 2026 national budget, I will return any proposed General Appropriations Bill that is not fully aligned with the National Expenditures Program. And further, I am willing to do this even if we end up with a reenacted budget,” the President said firmly.
Under the 1987 Constitution, budget bills originate exclusively in the House of Representatives. The budget process begins with the President’s executive branch submitting the National Expenditures Program (NEP). The House committee on appropriations then deliberates, making adjustments within the spending ceiling. The resulting General Appropriations Bill (GAB) moves to the Senate, which may propose amendments.
A reenacted budget happens when the budget bill isn’t signed into law before the year ends, forcing the government to operate on the previous year’s appropriations.
Concerns Over Budget Transparency and Corruption
Recent budget processes have faced scrutiny. Earlier in 2025, some lawmakers raised alarms over blank allocations in the approved budget bill. Former officials insisted these blanks were placeholders for final figures.
Senator Panfilo Lacson pointed to possible corruption in flood control projects, warning that half of nearly P2 trillion allocated since 2011 might have been lost. A document leaked to local media also raised questions about P142 billion in alleged insertions for flood control projects.
Meanwhile, Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco urged the removal of small committee hearings after budget deliberations and called for strict adherence to House rules in budgeting.
Commitment to Structural Budget Reforms
Romualdez assured the public that the House leadership is ready to implement long-overdue structural changes to the national budget process. “This is not just about numbers, it’s about making sure families feel the impact of every peso we allocate,” he said.
He stressed the urgency of addressing real needs: “We need to put food on the table, ensure no family is crushed by hospital bills, and create jobs that restore dignity and hope. These are not abstract goals—they are urgent, real, and long overdue.”
Romualdez concluded, “No delay, no drama. The House will do its job with focus and compassion. Because at the end of the day, that budget isn’t about institutions. It’s about lives. We will legislate with purpose—not for headlines, but for households. Not for applause, but for impact. That’s what this moment calls for, and that’s what the people deserve.”
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