Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan will closely examine unprogrammed appropriations and lump-sum allocations in the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027, citing a Supreme Court ruling against certain appropriations in the 2024 and 2025 budgets.
Pangilinan, who chairs Subcommittee G of the Senate Committee on Finance, said the ruling would serve as a starting point for the Senate’s review.
“Of course, titiyakin natin na we will come up with our version, at tama po kayo na ‘yung People’s Budget Coalition ay kasama ng Senate Committee on Finance sa pagbusisi rito. Mahalaga ang people’s participation,” Pangilinan said in an interview on Bilyonaryo News Channel (BNC). “And we’re very thankful, you know na nandoon sila.”
He said the proposed unprogrammed funds needed closer scrutiny, particularly the documents supporting the allocations.
“In fairness naman, we give them the benefit of the doubt, baka hinahabol pa ‘yung documentation pero dapat sana ideally before it was approved, documented na,” he said.
Pangilinan also called for livestreaming the bicameral conference committee proceedings on the budget and disclosing agreements reached during closed-door meetings.IMT
