Manila: The House of Representatives remains confident it can pass the 2026 national budget on schedule, despite the reported request of lawmakers for the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to review the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for flagged errors and questionable entries.
According to Philippines News Agency, House spokesperson Princess Abante emphasized in a press briefing that budget deliberations are ongoing for items without issues. Abante highlighted the uncertainty regarding the speed of the DBM's review of the flagged budget items, but maintained that the committee remains confident in meeting the timeline set by the House for the approval of the General Appropriations Bill (GAB).
Abante noted that the appropriations panel has continued its work amidst the controversy over the NEP, with members determined to address concerns swiftly and thoroughly. Party leaders have expressed willingness to work beyond regular hours if necessary to ensure the national budget's passage within the leadership's set period.
She clarified that the issue of sending the NEP back to the DBM is not about a literal return of documents but about ensuring corrections are made at the source level before the House acts on the proposals. This distinction is crucial to understanding the process and protecting Congress's integrity in its constitutional mandate to review the budget.
Abante emphasized that lawmakers want the DBM to take responsibility for the NEP's integrity, which has been criticized for questionable entries and overlapping programs. The House cannot fulfill its duty of passing a sound and credible national budget unless the proposal it receives is first cleansed of errors.
She also noted the unanimous stance of party leaders that the House should not be blamed again for so-called congressional insertions, especially under mounting public scrutiny. While errata are common during budget deliberations, the numerous corrections required this time raised red flags, prompting members to clarify publicly that these were not insertions by the House.
The House expects the DBM and concerned agencies to fix the errors so the budget process can proceed cleanly. Abante reiterated the seriousness of the House's task, as mandated by the Constitution, to review and approve the government's budget.
