Manila: Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on Monday assured the public of tighter Executive-Legislative coordination and vigilant oversight as Congress prepares for the bicameral conference committee on the proposed 2026 national budget.

According to Philippines News Agency, Pangandaman stated that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) would closely monitor bicameral proceedings to protect the people's budget from irregular realignments and to ensure that spending priorities remain aligned with the Marcos administration's national agenda. She emphasized the importance of safeguarding the budget during a Senate finance panel hearing, addressing concerns raised by Senator Panfilo Lacson regarding past questionable realignments, notably the 2025 budget where the education sector's budget was surpassed by the Department of Public Works and Highways. This department is currently facing scrutiny for alleged anomalies in its multi-billion flood control projects.

Pangandaman acknowledged that the DBM loses jurisdiction over the General Appropriations Bill once it reaches the bicameral committee. However, she assured that the agency would collaborate with the House Secretariat and the Legislative Budget Research and Monitoring Office to provide real-time technical validation of proposed changes. She stressed that any items violating the Constitution or lacking support would be flagged, documented, and recommendations would be elevated in alignment with the President's veto powers and a commitment to good governance.

Additionally, Pangandaman reiterated her call for an open and transparent bicameral process, advocating for livestreamed hearings and the publication of amendment matrices with justifications to ensure public trust and accountability in the budget proceedings.