Manila: House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos on Monday assured that the House of Representatives will proceed with the deliberations of the proposed 2027 national budget without disruption despite the ongoing impeachment trial at the Senate. In an ambush interview, Marcos stated that the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte are confined to the Senate.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos emphasized that the impeachment is not taking place in the Lower House, which allows them to focus entirely on the budget and other legislative duties. He confidently stated, "I don't think it will affect, at least I can only speak on behalf of the Lower House. It will not affect what we have to do and what needs to be done."

The House of Representatives is gearing up to receive the National Expenditure Program (NEP) and commence hearings on the government's spending priorities for the coming year. As per the annual budget process, the Executive presents the NEP to Congress, which serves as the foundation for the General Appropriations Bill (GAB). Subsequently, the House Committee on Appropriations scrutinizes the government's fiscal assumptions and proposed allocations before conducting agency-level hearings.

Marcos highlighted the budget's significance, stating, "As you know, the budget is the single most important piece of legislation for both the House and the Senate." He anticipates the executive will submit the spending proposal in August, saying, "Now, we are expecting the NEP to be turned over sometime next month, hopefully not too late, but hopefully the NEP turnover will be sometime in August. Then we can proceed with the budget briefings."

Marcos also pledged to uphold reforms introduced during the previous budget cycle to enhance the role of civil society groups in reviewing public fund allocations. He mentioned, "I think marami naman ginawa ang Appro para manigurado (the Appropriations Committee is doing many things to ensure) that the budget process is much more transparent. We will make sure that different civic groups are involved in the shaping, and the analysis of the budget." Concluding, he affirmed, "So, I think we will continue with all the reforms already implemented last year."