PRESIDENTIAL Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro called for a thorough investigation and greater transparency regarding alleged budget insertions in the 2026 national budget, estimated at ₱142.7 billion.
Castro warned that these insertions threaten good governance, timely project implementation, and public trust. She stated that the insertions delay projects because they are not included in the Executive’s National Expenditure Program, requiring additional documentation and explanations, hindering project delivery and accountability.
Castro specifically cited Bulacan (₱12.08 billion) – the bailiwick of Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva – and Sorsogon (₱9.1 billion) – the province of Senate President Francis Escudero – as receiving significant allocations for flood control projects.
She emphasized that while Congress has budgetary powers, this does not grant them executive authority. “Congress’s job is to make laws, not implement them,” she stated.
Castro further criticized Escudero’s questioning of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s threat to veto pork-laden proposals, asserting that it is not an attack on Congress but a call for an honest and transparent budget.
She expressed particular concern over the alleged ₱3 billion inserted by Escudero under Senator Bong Go’s name, including ₱633 million for barangay health stations and super health centers, questioning whether these projects were actually implemented and calling on Senator Go to clarify his involvement.
Despite Escudero’s claim that all insertions passed audits and his clean record, Castro insisted this is insufficient, stating that “absence of charges is not automatic proof of innocence.” Castro concluded by urging Congress to respect its role and demanding answers, not excuses.
