Durano: PB’s request came in late

CEBU, Philippines — The Capitol’s executive department clarified that it received the committee on appropriations’ request for supporting documents only late Monday afternoon, after committee chair Board Member Celestino Martinez III presented his committee report on the proposed 2026 annual budget during the regular session earlier that day.

The clarification came amid discussions on the committee’s recommendation to slash the proposed ?11.9-billion provincial budget by ?178 million—a proposal provincial officials stressed is not yet final.

Provincial Administrator Ace Durano acknowledged the committee’s recommendations but emphasized that the budget process remains ongoing, noting that the proposed reductions are still subject to second reading and further deliberations.

“It’s always part of the process,” Durano said.

He added that the current proceedings reflect a more transparent and deliberate review of the provincial budget, aimed at ensuring an “honest-to-goodness deliberation” between the legislative and executive branches.

Durano stressed that the provincial government’s priority is to ensure that the final budget will genuinely address public needs. He also assured that Governor Pamela Baricuatro remains open to concerns raised by members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, particularly those consistent with the governor’s priorities for the province.

“At the end of the day, unsay budget jud nga ma-approve nga maka-siguro nga ang katawhan nag-matuki,” Durano said.

During Monday’s regular session, the Committee on Budget and Appropriations, chaired by Martinez, formally presented its report on the proposed 2026 annual budget.

The committee noted that several provincial offices have yet to submit documents required for the continuation of budget hearings, prompting the panel to formally write the concerned offices ahead of the second reading.

Among those requested to comply is the Office of the Governor, which was asked to submit a list of outstanding statutory and contractual obligations, including specific details.

The Provincial Accountant was likewise directed to provide a list of outstanding debts incurred in 2025 and those expected to mature in 2026, while the Provincial Legal Office was requested to submit a list of contracts entered into in 2025, as well as contracts that will carry over into 2026.

The Provincial Budget Office was also asked to furnish a schedule of statutory obligations in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

In addition, the Provincial Engineering Office was directed to submit a list of priority projects for 2026, particularly infrastructure projects that may require rehabilitation due to damage caused by earthquakes and flooding.

The committee’s request for documents was formalized in a letter dated December 15 and addressed to the Office of the Governor, the Provincial Accountant, the Provincial Legal Office, and the Provincial Budget Office.

In the letter, the committee cited Section 323 of the Local Government Code as the legal basis for the request, stating that the documents are necessary for the proper conduct of budget hearings.

Martinez reiterated during the session that no budget reductions have been finalized at this stage, including allocations involving Cebu City.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s final regular session for 2025 is set on December 22, underscoring the limited time frame for completing deliberations on the proposed 2026 budget before year-end. — (FREEMAN)