Senator Ping Lacson said a briefly reenacted 2025 budget is better than rushing the P6.793-trillion 2026 budget, warning that haste could make it unresponsive—or worse, vulnerable to corruption.
Lacson made the statement after reports that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to sign the 2026 budget in early January, resulting in a short reenacted budget period.
He stressed that vigilance must continue even after the budget is signed, especially amid unresolved probes into alleged misuse of funds, particularly in flood control projects.
The senator said a short reenacted budget is the more prudent option since the bicameral conference committee failed to agree on key issues.
Among the contentious items were increased funding for farm-to-market roads and “ayuda” programs such as MAIFIP and AICS, which Lacson said are prone to political abuse.
He also cited the DPWH’s bid to restore parts of its budget despite earlier pledges to cut costs linked to overpriced construction materials.
Despite these issues, Lacson said the Senate inserted safeguards in the 2026 budget, including a ban on guarantee letters and “epal” practices in aid programs, stricter implementation of MAIFIP under the Universal Health Care law, and monthly oversight of infrastructure and farm-to-market road projects with grid coordinates for public monitoring.
While admitting the budget is “far from perfect,” Lacson said he believes many lawmakers remain committed to addressing corruption, stressing that constant monitoring, reporting, and public accountability remain essential.IMT
