Senator Lacson Questions Infrastructure Budget Allocations Amid Calls for Transparency
On Saturday, Senator Panfilo Lacson raised some significant concerns about lump-sum appropriations for infrastructure projects outlined in the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027. His alertness highlights the importance of transparency in government spending, a topic that resonates deeply with many Filipino citizens.
Lacson intends to delve into this issue further during the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) briefing scheduled for August 27. He emphasized, “We’ve spotted lump-sum appropriations that shouldn’t be lump sums.” It’s a straightforward but vital point. When funds are aggregated without detailing the individual costs of each project or program, it raises eyebrows.
“These lump-sum appropriations are acceptable for calamity funds since we can’t predict when disasters will strike,” he explained. However, he questioned their validity in the context of infrastructure projects. “That’s where it gets tricky,” Lacson noted, signaling his commitment to demand clarity and transparency.
As of now, GMA News Online has reached out to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), which leads the DBCC, but responses were still pending.
The senator’s team has already begun examining the National Expenditure Program (NEP) after its transmission to Congress earlier in the week. Lacson expressed a keen interest in identifying any special provisions that could be exploited for unprogrammed appropriations. He recalled a previous General Appropriations Act in which questionable and possibly unconstitutional provisions were included, allowing the executive branch to transfer funds from government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) like PhilHealth to the national treasury.
“Such provisions, especially regarding foreign-assisted projects, could lead to disastrous outcomes if mismanaged,” he warned, underscoring the need for vigilance in budget allocations.
As part of his push for reform, Lacson is advocating for more transparency in the budget process. This includes livestreaming the bicameral conference committee’s proceedings and making all related documents available online. It’s a step towards ensuring that the public has insight into how their tax money is being spent.
Moreover, Lacson is a strong proponent of enhancing the role of local government units (LGUs) and local development councils in budget discussions. He believes it’s crucial for these local entities to have a greater voice in the budgeting process, ensuring that community needs are recognized and addressed.
He pointed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order No. 82, issued in January 2025, which aimed to increase the involvement of regional development councils. However, Lacson observed a persistent disconnect, stating, “I had hoped EO 82 would be implemented effectively, but it seems many mayors, governors, and local officials are still coming to the Senate to seek project funding that wasn’t included in the NEP.”
With two decades of experience in the Senate, Lacson remains steadfast in his belief that local councils understand their constituents’ needs better than anyone else. His advocacy emphasizes a critical message: local voices matter, and they deserve to be heard in the legislative process.
As the budget discussions continue, Lacson’s commitment to transparency and local empowerment serves as a reminder that good governance is rooted in collaboration and accountability. The people’s trust in their leaders relies on open communication and a shared commitment to serving their communities. Together, we can hope for a brighter future reflected in a fair and transparent budget process.
