Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson raised concerns over more than ₱3 billion set aside for evacuation centers in the proposed 2027 national budget, arguing that the funding lacks sufficient project details to confirm whether it meets the actual requirements of target areas.
The lawmaker noted that his team found an identical ₱180 million earmarked for evacuation centers across each of the 17 regions in the National Expenditure Program (NEP), without specifying exact locations or construction details.
“Napansin namin, hati-hati sa 17 regions, binigyan ng tig-₱180 milyon para sa evacuation centers. Wala namang naka-specify. Saan ba sa Region 1, 2, o 3 tatayuin yan?” Lacson said during a radio broadcast.
Lacson further questioned whether this uniform funding distribution was supported by a thorough assessment of local needs.
“May pag-aaral ba rito na isang region marami nang evacuation center? Parang wala eh… Hindi naman pupuwede yan. Walang specifications. Walang location,” he emphasized.
In addition to the infrastructure funds, the senator mentioned that he is scrutinizing the various social assistance or “ayuda” allocations within the proposed fiscal package.
“Sa 2027 budget, parang saganang sagana sa ayuda,” Lacson stated.
“Ang ayuda walang masama diyan pero dapat tingnan ang long term ang development side ng paggamit ng budget,” he remarked.
Lacson also pointed out that certain budget items might be politically influenced, observing that the 2027 spending blueprint immediately precedes the upcoming 2028 national electoral cycle.