Chiz wants local execs in budget hearings

MANILA, Philippines —  Governors and mayors need to be present during budget deliberations, Senate President Francis Escudero said yesterday, stressing their perspectives have “been sidelined for too long” in the crafting of the national spending plan.

“It is now time to give them a seat at the table,” Escudero said, adding that he has recommended to finance committee chairman Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian that local chief executives be invited to actively participate in hearings on the proposed 2026 national budget.

He argued that since bureau officials and division heads regularly appear before senators to defend their allocations, local leaders – who oversee the implementation of many national projects – should likewise have the chance to offer feedback or be given relevant information.

Escudero said governors and mayors can help “vet and verify” if proposed projects are necessary for their communities, and identify potential cases of overpricing in the spending plan.

Many items, he added, have historically been inserted in the budget without consulting local governments, often for political reasons.

“It’s their territory, they can best tell what’s needed. Their feedback is too important to be ignored,” Escudero said.

As a structural reform, he suggested that development projects be required to secure approval or endorsement from Provincial Development Councils or Regional Development Councils to ensure LGUs are properly informed and consulted on national programs.

Meanwhile, Rep. Richard Gomez has defended in a Facebook post his colleagues in the House of Representatives against allegations of corruption in flood control projects raised by a local chief executive.

While the Leyte fourth district representative didn’t name the mayor who was the subject of his ire, he was probably referring to Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who has openly been criticizing House members for alleged massive irregularities.

“You talk nonstop about corruption in Congress. Why? Because it’s an easy headline? Maybe it’s time to fix your own house first before pointing fingers at others,” Gomez said, apparently addressing the local chief executive.

House Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V also pushed back against what he called irresponsible sweeping remarks against the House.

“As fellow public servants, we share the responsibility of upholding accountability while protecting the integrity of our institutions. Our only request is – let us be clear and fair, so that innocent members are not placed under suspicion,” Ortega of La Union said.

Healso emphasized that any issue should be raised before the proper channels.  –  Delon Porcalla, Jose Rodel Clapano