Philippines budget deliberations should remain on camera even during formal breaks, Senator Panfilo Lacson said, warning that suspended sessions could enable private bargaining and questionable additions to the proposed 2027 spending plan.

Key Takeaways

  • Lacson wants public coverage to continue when bicameral budget proceedings are suspended.
  • The Senate is reviewing the House-approved 7.2 trillion peso budget, including about 116 billion pesos in amendments.
  • Lacson also proposed potential congressional savings for disaster preparations and essential services.

Why Lacson wants Philippines budget talks filmed

In a radio interview, Lacson urged lawmakers to minimize suspensions during bicameral deliberations and keep cameras rolling when proceedings pause. He said lawmakers had held discussions away from cameras during suspensions the previous year.

The bicameral conference committee reconciles differences between the Senate and House versions of the budget bill before both chambers ratify the final measure. Lacson's proposal is a request for greater transparency, not an announced change to committee rules.

Senate reviews House amendments

The House approved its version of the 2027 General Appropriations Bill on third and final reading on October 12, 2026. Its amendments included additional funding for social assistance and infrastructure, alongside reductions to other programs.

Lacson said he would examine cuts to foreign-assisted projects and additional allocations for flood control. Senate finance committee chairman JV Ejercito has also identified substantial funding realignments for review.

Lacson welcomed a Supreme Court ruling that declared certain provisions of the 2024 and 2025 national budgets unconstitutional. He rejected suggestions that the court had encroached on Congress's budget authority.

Proposed savings for disaster preparations

Lacson suggested the Senate could cut as much as 2 billion pesos from its proposed 2027 budget and the House could forgo a planned 5 billion peso increase to its allocation. He said the potential savings could help fund preparations for El Niño and address gaps in essential services.

The proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program included 45.67 billion pesos for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, compared with 39.82 billion pesos in the 2026 national budget. The House reduced some disaster-related appropriations.

Next milestone

The Senate's review of the House-approved spending plan precedes bicameral reconciliation and ratification by both chambers.

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