THE SENATE aims to finalize its version of the P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027 by the second week of December, as lawmakers scrutinize House of Representatives-approved spending changes and face a tighter schedule because of Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s impeachment trial.
Senator Joseph Victor G. Ejercito, chairman of the Finance committee, said lawmakers would examine cuts to infrastructure, disaster preparedness and health programs, alongside increased allocations for cash assistance that have raised concerns about political patronage.
“Hopefully, in two weeks, we can finish the hearings for all departments and agencies because we are very short on time because of the impeachment trial,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
Senate Finance Subcommittees have until Oct. 23 to submit their reports, allowing the main committee to consolidate its findings during the congressional recess.
Budget deliberations will resume in November, with the Senate targeting completion by the second week of December to give President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. time to sign the spending plan before Christmas.
The impeachment trial, which resumes on Nov. 9, and substantial differences between the original budget proposal and the House-approved General Appropriations bill could complicate the timetable.
Mr. Ejercito said the Senate would allot five more days for the bicameral conference committee to reconcile differences between the two chambers’ versions of the budget.
“I hope we’re able to see eye-to-eye, understand and properly explain [these] amendments,” he said.
The senator questioned reductions in several government programs under the House-approved bill, including a P130-billion cut in funding for foreign-assisted projects.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund lost P9.5 billion, while the Health Facilities Enhancement Program was reduced by P4.45 billion.
The Department of Public Works and Highways also faced cuts of P2.6 billion for right-of-way acquisition and P4.6 billion for flood mitigation structures along river basins.
“My initial reaction was: It’s puzzling that funding for several programs was reduced or removed,” Mr. Ejercito said.
He also questioned additional allocations for government assistance programs, including P10 billion for the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program, which provides one-time cash assistance to agricultural and fishery workers.
The senator said budget adjustments were inevitable, but lawmakers must establish whether the changes serve public needs and whether the intended beneficiaries would receive the funds.
“The budget process is a balancing act… there really will be things that are added or reduced,” he said. “The problem is we need to ensure we understand the changes — the reasons and purposes behind them — as well as how and where these [funds] go, whether they will go to those who need them.”
Mr. Ejercito said financial assistance remained important, but investments in infrastructure and other long-term development projects could provide more lasting economic benefits despite their higher initial costs.
He called for greater transparency in examining House amendments, particularly spending changes involving assistance programs.
The finance committee has hired seven additional staff members to help review individual budget allocations and identify questionable spending items.
Mr. Ejercito said the Senate would meet with civil society organizations, academics and budget watchdogs on Oct. 26 to gather recommendations and identify potential irregularities before finalizing its committee report.
“All the help we can get is very much welcome,” he said. “We will do our best to scrutinize this budget.” — Francessca S. Abalos