Nueva Ecija First District Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing’s Rise
MANILA, Philippines — Nueva Ecija First District Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing quietly surprised many when she was introduced as a Harvard University alumna during a recent press briefing. Her humble laughter reflected a modesty rare in politics, as she preferred not to highlight her impressive credentials.
Still, Suansing’s appointment as chairperson of the House of Representatives’ committee on appropriations sparked curiosity. This sensitive and crucial role often goes to seasoned male lawmakers, including former Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co. However, Suansing believes her strong work ethic and numerical skills earned her this vital position.
“It’s hard to answer why I was chosen, but perhaps our colleagues saw how hardworking I am,” she shared at the Batasang Pambansa. “Maybe the past Congress noticed when I served as senior vice chairperson of the committee on ways and means. I spent countless hours debating with veteran lawmakers like Congressman Edcel Lagman, standing for three to five days straight in plenary sessions.”
Numbers and Background: Keys to Leadership
Suansing openly embraces her identity as a “numbers nerd,” a trait she believes is essential for an appropriations chairperson. She explained, “When we make presentations, we scrutinize every figure closely. That ability to analyze numbers and trends is critical for this role.”
Her background as a former management consultant also played a role. “I used to examine trends and develop business cases — skills needed when reviewing the budget,” she noted.
A graduate of Management Engineering from Ateneo de Manila University and holder of a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard, Suansing was elected by the Majority bloc to lead the appropriations committee on July 29.
Budget Reforms Following Marcos’ SONA
Suansing’s election came just a day after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address, which emphasized stricter budget scrutiny. Marcos warned lawmakers that he would reject any national budget misaligned with the administration’s priorities. He even threatened to allow a reenacted budget if the General Appropriations Bill deviated significantly from the National Expenditures Program.
Concerns about budget misuse have been rising, especially regarding funds for flood control projects. Senator Panfilo Lacson recently cautioned that up to half of the nearly P2 trillion allocated since 2011 might have been lost to corruption.
In response, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez urged reforms, including opening bicameral conference committee meetings to the public for transparency.
Suansing’s Push for Budget Process Reforms
On Monday, Suansing outlined three key reforms she aims to champion during budget deliberations. First, she wants to abolish the “small committee” system. Instead, she will advocate for a new subcommittee to review and discuss budget amendments from the executive branch early in the process.
This subcommittee will include the appropriations senior vice chairperson or vice chairperson, members nominated by political parties and the party-list coalition, and representatives from the Minority.
Second, Suansing supports opening bicameral conference committee meetings to public viewing, promoting transparency.
Third, she plans to allocate specific days during the budget process for civil society organizations. These groups will have the chance to observe proceedings and voice their concerns or propose amendments to the National Expenditures Program.
“We will ensure a more open and participatory budget process,” she affirmed.
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