President Marcos Urges Calm in Cabinet Over Budget Dispute
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sought to ease tensions within his Cabinet on Sunday, addressing the recent outburst by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin. Bersamin had sharply criticized the House of Representatives for allegedly attempting to shift blame for corruption and budget failures onto the executive branch. The President emphasized the need for calm heads during this challenging period.
“I hope lumamig na yung mga ulo ninyo (I hope that cooler heads will prevail),” Marcos told his Cabinet members as they gathered to send him off for his upcoming state visit to Cambodia from September 7 to 9. His lighthearted comment brought laughter among the officials present at the Maharlika lounge of Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
Despite the humor, the President acknowledged the frustrations of his Cabinet, adding, “But I will have to just say that I perfectly understand why you are feeling a little unjustly beleaguered.” To maintain leadership while abroad, Marcos appointed Bersamin, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III as caretakers during his three-day trip.
Executive Secretary Bersamin’s Strong Statement on Budget Issues
On Saturday evening, Bersamin issued a firm statement condemning what he described as “recent spins from certain members of the House who are thereby attempting to shift the blame for their own corruption and failures onto the Executive branch.” His remarks underscored the Cabinet’s intolerance for attacks on the executive’s integrity and political maneuvers that threaten the budget process.
“The members of the Cabinet would not tolerate any attack on the integrity and reputation of the executive branch and any effort to hold the budget process hostage by political theatrics,” Bersamin said. He further warned that investigations into anomalies would be pointless if corruption sources were left unchecked. Bersamin urged the House of Representatives to respond to public demands for accountability, stating bluntly, “Clean your house first!”
Neither Bersamin nor the Palace offered additional details regarding the statement, leaving its full implications open to interpretation by local observers.
House Leaders’ Attempt to Return Budget Sparks Controversy
Bersamin’s comments followed a now-withdrawn move by House party leaders, led by Deputy Speaker and Antipolo Representative Ronaldo Puno of the National Unity Party. They had sought to return the National Expenditure Program (NEP) to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), citing problematic provisions in the 2026 budget proposal.
Lawmakers revealed troubling details in the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) proposed P881.6-billion budget for 2026, including redundant line items, duplicate amounts, and allocations for projects already completed. Similar concerns surfaced in budgets proposed by other government agencies under the 2026 NEP.
Palace Calls for Agency Budget Review to Expedite Deliberations
In response, Malacañang urged all government agencies to conduct an initial review of their respective budgets within the 2026 NEP. This call aims to prevent further delays in the House of Representatives’ ongoing budget deliberations. Officials hope that this proactive approach will foster smoother discussions and help resolve outstanding issues.
As President Marcos embarks on his state visit to Cambodia, the focus remains on maintaining unity and transparency within the executive branch amid budget controversies. The coming weeks will be critical in addressing the concerns raised and ensuring the 2026 budget process proceeds efficiently.
For more news and updates on President Marcos, visit Filipinokami.com.
