Newly appointed Senate Committee on Finance Chairperson Senator JV Ejercito has pledged to overhaul the national budgeting process by eliminating controversial last-minute insertions during bicameral conference committee meetings.
The initiative aims to stop the practice of sneaking localized infrastructure projects into the national budget during the final reconciliation stages between the Senate and the House of Representatives. This maneuver has previously drawn sharp public criticism over concerns of corruption and funding irregularities.
Ejercito, who took over the panel following a Senate leadership reshuffle, emphasized that he will enforce a stricter process.
Under his leadership, all public works initiatives must be clearly identified as specific line items before the budget reaches the bicameral stage.
“Unless talagang emergency o talagang kailangang kailangan, doon lang ako papayag,” Ejercito remarked regarding the criteria for late-stage adjustments.
The senator drew a firm line against arbitrary project additions that bypass early scrutiny.
“Pero yung dating mga proyekto na kung ano-ano lamang ang ipinapasok tuwing amendment, tuwing bicam, yan po ay hindi ko papayagan dahil reporma ang gusto natin at ayusin po natin,” he added.
Ejercito stressed that these tighter controls are vital to restoring transparency and public confidence in government spending.
He warned against repeating past anomalies where both lawmakers and public works officials were implicated in budgetary abuses.
“Ilagay natin sa tama ang lahat para masigurado na hindi na maulit yung dating pang-aabuso na ginawa rin ng ilang… mga legislators na nadamay dito (public works) officials,” the senator said.
While admitting that managing the national budget is a daunting task, Ejercito remains committed to his oversight mandate.
“Sabi ko nga, ‘Naku, hindi ako mahilig sa numbers. Baka hindi ko kayanin,’” Ejercito admitted when reflecting on his appointment.
Despite his initial hesitation, the finance chief stated that beyond curbing questionable spending, his priority is to accelerate and protect the funding of critical government social programs and key legislation.