Manila, Philippines – In aim of ensuring the efficiency of projects funded under the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP), Senate President Franchis “Chiz” Escudero is now eyeing for the inclusion of local government leaders in Senate’s budget deliberations.
In a recommendation to Committee of Finance Chairperson Sherwin Gatchalian, Escudero suggested that governors and city mayors be invited as well to have an active and direct participation in the budget hearings.
Escudero emphasized that while department and bureau heads are able to defend the proposed funds for their agencies, local government leaders remained at the sidelines for a long time.
He noted that by giving them a seat at the table, local heads as leaders on the ground can help verify whether or not the project to be funded in their locality is really beneficial for the needs of their community.
“The perspectives of leaders on the ground are invaluable in determining which projects are necessary and which are not. They can also help flag possible overpricing in the appropriations being requested,” Escudero said.
He claimed that there have been several instances in the past where local executives were not consulted about certain projects in their area, hence resulting in wasteful spending and white-elephant projects.
“Teritoryo nila ang mga ito. Kaya sila ang mas makakasagot kung kailangan nga ba talaga. Their feedback is too important to be,” he emphasized.—Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News