Councilor Tumulak calls for a transparent 2027 budget

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Councilor Dave Flores Tumulak, chairman of the Committee on Budget and Finance, has called on fellow public servants to ensure that Cebu City’s 2027 budget reflects discipline, accountability, and tangible benefits for citizens.

In a statement ahead of the budget deliberations, Tumulak stressed that the budget is more than a financial document.

“This budget is not just a financial plan—it is a statement of who we are as public servants, how we serve the public with integrity, and how seriously we take our obligations to citizens,” he said.

He emphasized that the process must be collaborative and transparent, with consultations and feedback mechanisms to include the voices of the people.

“Engage stakeholders and consider the voices of the people through consultations, feedback mechanisms, and meaningful listening. Ensure inter-departmental alignment so our proposals support shared national and sector goals—not isolated activities,” Tumulak noted.

The councilor also stressed the need for alignment with executive priorities.

“Every proposal must clearly connect to the Executive’s stated priorities and legally or strategically committed actions. Avoid general intentions and instead specify what will be delivered and how it supports national direction,” he said.

Tumulak urged clarity in outcomes, saying, “Public clients must be able to see what we are trying to achieve, not just that improvements will be made. Replace vague language with specific deliverables—services to be provided, facilities to be completed, programs to be rolled out, targets to be reached.”

He further highlighted the importance of realistic timelines and measurable results.

“Provide implementation timelines that match available capacity, procurement realities, and reporting cycles. Include measurable outcomes and expected impact by quarter or semester where possible,” he explained.

On fiscal discipline, Tumulak reminded colleagues that the budget must be grounded in actual collections.

 “The annual budget must be realistic and grounded in what we can collect, not wishful projections. Where funding gaps exist, proposals must show credible options such as reprioritization, sequencing, or phased delivery,” he said.

He urged that the budget inspire confidence by demonstrating its impact on daily life.

“Let our plans demonstrate tangible benefits—especially in areas that touch daily life: health, education, water, sanitation, infrastructure, jobs, safety, and social protection. The budget should reflect not only what government will spend, but what citizens will experience because of that spending,” Tumulak declared.

“No matter the size of the budget, we must ensure it reflects the values of public service: discipline, accountability, and results. When we submit budgets that are specific, achievable, and grounded in reality, we earn trust and strengthen confidence in government,” he concluded.

The city’s annual budget preparation begins with the executive branch setting ceilings and priorities, followed by departmental proposals reviewed by the Budget and Finance Committee.

The consolidated executive budget is then submitted to the City Council for deliberation and approval.