Makabayan Bloc Calls to Reject Rubber-stamping Budget
Lawmakers from the progressive Makabayan bloc have urged their peers to resist rubber-stamping the 2026 national budget. This call comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. threatened not to sign any budget bill that fails to align with the administration’s national expenditure program.
Rubber-stamping means approving a proposal without proper scrutiny or debate. ACT Teachers party-list Representative Antonio Tinio and Kabataan Representative Renee Co jointly criticized Marcos’ “unprecedented ultimatum,” calling it a clear overreach of the legislative branch’s constitutional power over budgeting.
Presidential Ultimatum Sparks Concern
During his recent State of the Nation Address, President Marcos warned that he would prefer a reenacted budget over signing any general appropriations bill that diverges from the government’s agenda. This stance, the Makabayan representatives argue, undermines Congress’s role in shaping the nation’s finances.
“President Marcos is essentially demanding that Congress rubber-stamp his budget without any meaningful deliberation or amendment,” said Tinio, who also serves as House deputy minority leader. Co, the assistant minority leader, added, “Marcos’ preference for a reenacted budget exposes his real agenda – to have unlimited discretion over public funds without congressional oversight.”
Understanding the Impact of a Reenacted Budget
A reenacted budget happens when Congress fails to pass a new budget on time, forcing the government to continue spending based on the previous year’s allocations. Critics warn that this practice can lead to irregular spending and reduced transparency.
While the president can propose a spending plan, it is Congress’s duty to review, amend, or reject parts of the national expenditure program before passing the budget into law. The Makabayan bloc insists lawmakers must defend this constitutional mandate.
Defending Congress’s Budgetary Power
Tinio and Co urged their fellow legislators to ensure the 2026 budget reflects the Filipino people’s true needs, rather than the preferences of an increasingly authoritarian executive. They emphasized that the budget process should be transparent and aligned with public priorities.
“The Filipino people deserve a budget process that reflects their needs and priorities through their elected representatives in Congress, not the whims of an increasingly authoritarian executive,” the lawmakers stressed.
Local leaders and sources noted that the debate over the budget will be a critical test of Congress’s independence and commitment to democratic principles moving forward.
For more news and updates on national budget processes, visit Filipinokami.com.
