Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has initiated an early review of the proposed ₱7.2-trillion national budget for 2027, ramping up his signature drive to uncover pork barrel insertions, questionable funding allocations, and unnecessary government spending.
Following the formal transmittal of the National Expenditure Program (NEP) to Congress, Lacson confirmed that his team has started analyzing the details to ensure transparency and prevent the misuse of public funds during legislative deliberations.
”Sa ngayon, sinisimulan na namin ng staff na i-scrutinize ang NEP kasi na-transmit na ito. Pinasisimulan namin kalkalin o i-scrutinize ang NEP para sa 2027 budget,” Lacson said in a radio interview.
The preliminary assessment seeks to identify doubtful or wasteful line items early in the process, well before the spending plan is subjected to intensive plenary debates.
Lacson currently leads the Senate Committees on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, Ways and Means, and Accounts.
The review comes as the Senate navigates a packed legislative schedule. Plenary sessions are being held in the afternoons to accommodate morning proceedings for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, while limited space at the main Senate building has prompted several committee hearings to relocate to the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
Despite the demanding calendar, Lacson expressed confidence that his sustained watchdog efforts, paired with structural reforms introduced last year by Senate President Win Gatchalian during his term heading the Senate Finance Committee, will ensure rigorous public oversight of the 2027 budget.