AS the House of Representatives prepares to begin deliberations on the proposed 2027 national budget, Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III on Friday said lawmakers will build on the reforms and transparency measures introduced last year to ensure that next year’s spending program is responsive, accountable, and focused on the needs of the Filipino people.
Speaking during a press briefing after the launch of LegisHear in Isabela, Dy said the House is ready to undertake its constitutional duty of scrutinizing the P7.2 trillion National Expenditure Program (NEP), which is expected to be transmitted by the Executive before August 14.
The Speaker said public consultations under the newly launched LegisHear program would complement the budget process by giving lawmakers a better understanding of the priorities and concerns of communities across the country before appropriations are finalized.
Asked whether the House was considering additional reforms on top of those it adopted during the deliberations of the 2026 National Budget, the Speaker said: “Wala pa naman kaming napag-uusapan, pero nakita naman natin na maayos naman, at nakita nating may reporma. Nakita rin natin na may transparency.”
“Sa tingin ko, lalo pa nating bibigyan ng mahahalagang security measures upang matiyak na ang ating ipapasa na 2027 budget ay talagang maayos.”
Dy said the House remains committed to preserving the reforms the Chamber instituted to ensure transparency and accountability in the appropriations process, while continuing to improve safeguards that protect the integrity of the national budget.
Under the leadership of Speaker Dy, the House has pursued a series of budget reforms, including greater transparency in the appropriations process. These include the Budget Amendments and Review Subcommittee (BARSc) and the livestreaming of the budget bicameral committee deliberations.
metrosundaily
