Manila: The Senate is considering holding simultaneous plenary sessions and budget hearings to keep deliberations on the proposed PHP7.2-trillion 2027 national budget on track despite the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Senate Committee on Finance chairperson JV Ejercito on Tuesday said the chamber's current schedule leaves only Thursdays and Fridays for budget hearings, prompting discussions on allowing the proceedings to continue even during plenary sessions.

According to Philippines News Agency, Ejercito mentioned in a press conference that it would be proposed in the plenary for budget hearings to continue during plenary sessions. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian expressed concern that limiting hearings to two days a week might delay the budget process. Ejercito highlighted that this is an unprecedented situation, having budget hearings alongside an impeachment trial.

The Senate began its budget process last week with a briefing by the Development Budget Coordination Committee, which included officials from the Department of Finance, Department of Budget and Management, and Department of Economy, Planning, and Development. This week, the Office of the Ombudsman, Commission on Audit, and Department of Health are scheduled to present before the finance panel.

Despite the condensed schedule, the finance committee plans to prepare parts of its report as hearings progress, aiming for plenary debates on the budget to commence in November. Ejercito noted that while there will be a short break, the committee's work will continue uninterrupted. The finance committee is reducing its vice chairpersons to eight, and Senate rooms will focus on budget discussions throughout September and October.

Due to space constraints caused by the impeachment proceedings, other committees may need to use facilities at the Philippine International Convention Center for their hearings. Ejercito emphasized the importance of careful budget scrutiny given the government's limited fiscal space, with health, education, food, livelihood, and infrastructure remaining top priorities.