Lawmaker set to discuss flaws in budget process

CEBU, Philippines – Bukidnon Representative Teofisto "TG" Guingona III will discuss the flaws in the budget process during the 1st National Business Conference of Independent Business Clubs to be held at Marco Polo Hotel tomorrow.

"The budget is the expression of our plans for the nation and our people. If the process for making the budget is flawed, then our plans will be flawed and our future will be shattered," Guingona said in a press statement sent to The Freeman.

Guingona hopes to engage in a dialogue on budget reform with presidential aspirants Defense Secretary Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro Jr., Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero and Senator Manuel "Mar" Roxas III.

Teodoro, Escudero and Roxas are expected to attend the dialogue in which they will also discuss their own economic roadmap.

Guingona has already filed eight bills and one House resolution for budget transparency and accountability.

These measures are House Bill 5256 or the People's Participation in Budget Deliberations Act of 2008; HB 5580 or the Impoundment Control Act of 2008; HB 5706 or the National Budget Fund Classification Act; HB 5707 or the Budgeting Guidelines for Re-enacted Budget; HB 5716 or the National Budget Savings Act of 2008; HB 5723 or the Unprogrammed Funds Prohibition Act of 2009; HB 5724 or the Open and Transparent Bicameral Meeting on Budget; HB 5725 or the Transparency in Fund Release; and House Resolution 912 or the Resolution calling for an open and transparent bicameral meeting on the budget.

Guingona, a senatorial hopeful, said that since the budget is critical to “our future, then let us demand that the budget process be made transparent.”

"Let us study the budget, understand it and debate on it. Let us hold our public officials accountable for it. Let us make it important and give it the attention it deserves, after all, it is our money," Guingona added.

The Makati Business Club and Cebu Business Club organized the event, which aims to strengthen reform measures that will address the country's socio-economic challenges. – Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/LPM (THE FREEMAN)