Manila: Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Thursday welcomed the safeguards and transparency measures embedded in the proposed 2026 national budget but cautioned that vigilance must continue even after its ratification to prevent abuse of public funds.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lacson said the safeguards were secured through the efforts of the Senate panel in the bicameral conference committee, led by Senate Committee on Finance chairperson Sherwin Gatchalian, which pushed for accountability measures amid criticisms and misinformation.

Lacson expressed his support for the Senate panel, acknowledging their efforts in ensuring accountability. "Amid all the disinformation and unreasonable criticisms, we have all the reasons to be proud of our Senate panel under the leadership of our Finance Chair Senator Win. I give my two thumbs up from start to finish," Lacson said in a message to reporters.

Among the safeguards inserted by the Senate are the absolute prohibition of guarantee letters and any form of political endorsement or 'epal' in all assistance programs. Additionally, there is an emphasis on the strict implementation of the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) under the Universal Health Care (UHC) program in compliance with the UHC law. The budget also includes provisions for the conduct of monthly oversight of infrastructure and farm-to-market road projects, with the use of grid coordinates to allow easier monitoring by the media and the public.

Lacson emphasized the importance of continued vigilance, stating, "As long as we all remain vigilant in guarding against abuse of public funds, we can always remain hopeful that things can change for the better."