Manila:The proposed national budget in the Philippines goes through extensive scrutiny, legislative deliberations, and constitutional checks before it becomes law, as explained by Budget Acting Secretary Kim Robert de Leon.

According to Philippines News Agency, during the latest episode of A.S.K. - Alamin Kay Sec. Kim, De Leon outlined the roles of the Executive Branch, the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Bicameral Conference Committee in the budget approval process.

De Leon emphasized that the process starts with the National Expenditure Program (NEP), prepared by the Executive Branch and submitted to Congress as the proposed spending plan. The NEP is not yet a law and undergoes committee hearings and plenary deliberations in the House of Representatives, where lawmakers scrutinize proposed allocations and spending priorities.

The Senate then conducts a separate review, led by the Senate Committee in Finance, examining the funding requirements of various agencies. De Leon noted that both the Senate and the House of Representatives' reviews are essential features of the bicameral legislative system, which allows for adjustments within constitutional limits.

De Leon clarified that while Congress may propose amendments to the budget, it cannot increase the appropriations recommended by the President beyond the constitutional ceiling. The reconciliation of the House and Senate versions is handled by Congress through the bicameral conference committee, independent of the DBM and other executive agencies.

Once the reconciled General Appropriations Bill (GAB) is ratified by both chambers, it is sent to the President, who may sign it into law or exercise veto powers. De Leon highlighted the importance of understanding the budget process to ensure accountability and thorough examination of government spending proposals.