Senator Raises Doubts Over Alleged PHP100-Billion Budget Manipulation
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has publicly expressed skepticism regarding claims made by former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co about an alleged PHP100-billion budget insertion. The Finance Committee chairperson described several aspects of Co's allegations as contradictory to established budget procedures and basic logic.
During a Monday interview with DZMM, Gatchalian highlighted the puzzling nature of Co's assertion that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. was responsible for the supposed insertions. The senator emphasized that presidents traditionally include their priority programs at the beginning of the National Expenditure Program, not during final stages of budget preparation.
Inconsistencies in Presidential Priority Projects
Gatchalian questioned the logic behind the alleged insertions, particularly noting that some items on Co's list involved minor secondary road projects in Valenzuela City. "I find it puzzling why the President would place very small projects in various areas... secondary roads, not even highways or major roads," he stated during the radio interview.
The senator further undermined Co's allegations by pointing to a significant contradiction: several projects appearing in the alleged insertion document were among those vetoed by President Marcos in the 2025 budget. "If he allegedly inserted these items, why would he also veto what he inserted? Many things do not match the normal process," Gatchalian reasoned.
Senate's Firm Stance Against Last-Minute Additions
As chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Gatchalian reaffirmed the chamber's commitment to blocking any attempts to introduce new projects during bicameral conference committee meetings. He linked such last-minute allocations to past controversies and emphasized that the Senate would not tolerate projects that suddenly appear "out of nowhere" during final budget negotiations.
Gatchalian explained that late insertions disrupt carefully planned budget priorities and force the removal of other programmed items, ultimately damaging the budget's structural integrity and undermining transparency in government spending.
The senator also highlighted the Senate's ongoing efforts to enhance budget transparency, noting that the chamber's committee report has already been made available on the Senate website for public examination. He reaffirmed that reforms in the bicameral process remain a top priority as the Philippines advances toward finalizing the 2026 national budget.
