By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
In the wake of the flood control mess and amid the backdrop of the ongoing impeachment trial against the Vice President that showcases corruption en masse, the uproar for transparency and accountability has never been more prevalent than in the ongoing hearings for the 2027 national budget.
For context, the version of next year’s General Appropriations Act (GAA) held by the House of Representatives (HOR) remains a point of contention due to red flags pointed out by business groups, civil society, and the lawmakers who are thoroughly scrutinizing the budget’s inner workings.
In a briefing on Tuesday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reiterated President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s firm stance against corruption in deciding upon the outcome of the national budget.
“Ang utos ng Pangulo: Ang pondo ng bayan ay hindi dapat inaabuso. Ang pondo ng bayan ay dapat sa taumbayan, hindi sa bulsa ninuman.”
Usec. Castro went on to underscore that at this juncture, President Marcos Jr. will not interfere with the House of Representatives and the Senate as both chambers are still sifting through the documents in their deliberations on the outcome of the 2027 national budget.
Apart from citing separation of powers among the branches of government, she also explained that the budget still has a long way to go, as it is yet to go through a bicameral conference and screening from the administration’s economic team before receiving the Chief Executive’s signature.
Usec. Castro discussed the President’s insights on formulating the 2027 GAA, “Alam naman natin, even before, ano ang gusto ng Pangulo? Ang proyekto na nakasaad sa proposed budget, wag ng bawasan dahil matitigil o magiging sanhi ito para madelay ang mga proyektong dapat na tapusin sa administrasyon ni Pangulong Marcos Jr.”
The Malacañang official concluded by urging watchdogs and other groups who have spotted red flags in the House version of the national budget to coordinate with the PCO and the executive branch to make their inputs heard, and their sentiments reflected in possible amendments to certain provisions of next year’s budget.
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