As lawmakers gear up to review the proposed 2027 national budget, Senate Deputy Majority Leader and Finance Committee Chairperson JV Ejercito pledged to institute rigid oversight measures aimed at stopping last-minute insertions and post-enactment interventions.
Addressing concerns following the recent flood control scandal, Ejercito emphasized that the primary goal of the upper chamber is to rebuild public trust in fiscal management.
“Ang hamon sa atin bilang Finance Committee Chairman ay hindi lamang bumuo ng budget, kundi ibalik ang tiwala ng publiko sa paraan ng paggastos ng pamahalaan,” Ejercito stated.
To enforce full transparency, Ejercito outlined plans to open all Bicameral Conference Committee hearings to the public and publish budget tracker documents online, allowing citizens to monitor adjustments made between the initial National Expenditure Program and the finalized bill.
He stressed that the bicameral sessions must no longer serve as a venue for covert decision-making.
“Gagawin nating open to the public ang lahat ng hearing hanggang sa Bicameral Conference Committee. Ang bicam ay hindi dapat maging backdoor para baguhin ang mga pondong dumaan na sa masusing pagdinig ng Senado at KAMARA,” Ejercito said.
While pushing for systemic reforms, Ejercito clarified that these measures will not weaken the constitutional power of Congress to evaluate and modify the proposed spending plan presented by the executive branch.
“Ang power of the purse ay hindi lamang kapangyarihan, kundi tungkulin na iniatas ng Constitution sa Congress. Kasama sa mandato na ito ang pag-aaral, pagsusuri, at pagbusisi ng bawat item sa proposed national budget,” he explained.
Ejercito noted that valid modifications—such as requests from executive departments or proposals backed by local government units—will remain permissible provided they follow formal plenary procedures and cover unaddressed needs.
However, he firmly drew the line against post-enactment lawmaker participation, asserting that executive agencies must retain total jurisdiction over project validation and execution.
“We as senators can only propose, but it’s the agencies or departments that will validate. We will prevent last-minute insertions and even post-enactment interventions,” Ejercito said.
Amid discussions to freeze infrastructure spending following corruption controversies, Ejercito opposed a blanket suspension, arguing that halting vital developments would harm overall economic momentum.
“Hindi naman dahil nagkaroon ng scandal, ititigil natin yung mga maayos na proyekto,” he pointed out.
“We are for accountability, but development has to continue. If we stop good and reasonable infrastructure projects, government spending will also slow down, and that will affect our economy. Our economy has to continue,” Ejercito added, pointing out recent dips in national economic growth.