By Dhel Nazario
Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said he will formally raise concerns over “questionable” lump‑sum appropriations for infrastructure projects in the proposed ₱7.2‑trillion national budget for 2027, outlining his next steps to scrutinize the allocations.
Lacson disclosed that he and his staff have begun reviewing the National Expenditure Program (NEP) and will seek clarification from government agencies.
He said he may bring up the issue during the Development Budget Coordination Committee briefing scheduled for Aug. 27.
“We spotted lump‑sum appropriations that we don’t think should be lump sum,” Lacson said, explaining that while such allocations are acceptable for calamity funds, they become questionable when applied to infrastructure projects.
Beyond lump‑sum items, Lacson said his team will examine special provisions in the NEP that could potentially circumvent restrictions on unprogrammed appropriations.
He recalled past budget provisions that were later removed for being “highly questionable, even unconstitutional,” and vowed to guard against similar insertions this year.
Lacson also intends to preserve reforms introduced in recent years, such as livestreaming bicameral proceedings and publishing budget documents online.
He expressed confidence that current Senate finance committee chair Sen. JV Ejercito will honor his commitment not to allow insertions at the bicameral level unless they appear in either the Senate or House versions of the General Appropriations Bill.
In addition, Lacson renewed his call for greater participation by local government units and development councils in setting budget priorities, citing examples where local input directly addressed community needs.
He said the Department of Budget and Management should adjust its budget call to ensure local proposals are considered in the NEP.
