(Photo courtesy of Senate)
MANILA – Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente Sotto III on Wednesday, October 21, assured that the Senate would block questionable adjustments to the proposed 2027 national budget following the Supreme Court’s ruling against unconstitutional congressional spending increases.
Sotto said the chamber would uphold transparency in its budget deliberations, including livestreaming proceedings to allow the public to monitor proposed changes to government allocations.
“What we did with the 2026 budget, if you recall, is we made it transparent,” Sotto said in a chance interview.
“That’s why I even recommended live streaming, which we did,” he added.
The senator disclosed receiving information about alleged adjustments to the House-approved 2027 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) that could raise constitutional concerns similar to those identified by the Supreme Court.
“May mga ginalaw daw,” Sotto said, referring to reported changes in the spending measure.
He did not identify the allocations involved or provide further details about the alleged adjustments.
“We will not allow it in the Senate,” he stressed.
Sotto also expressed confidence that Senate Committee on Finance chairperson Senator JV Ejercito would oversee a transparent review of the proposed budget and ensure compliance with constitutional requirements.
His remarks followed the Supreme Court’s decision declaring unconstitutional Congress’ Php 449.5-billion increase in unprogrammed appropriations under the 2024 national budget.
The High Court also struck down the Php 17.99-billion increase in the Department of Public Works and Highways’ Special Road Fund in the 2025 budget.
Certain provisions governing unprogrammed appropriations under the 2026 General Appropriations Act were likewise invalidated due to insufficient safeguards against improper spending.
The Supreme Court emphasized that Congress cannot exceed the President’s total recommended appropriations and underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in the national budget process.
Sotto said the Senate would continue the transparency measures implemented during deliberations on the 2026 budget, particularly the livestreaming of bicameral conference committee proceedings.
The Senate is currently reviewing the House-approved 2027 spending bill, with lawmakers expected to closely examine agency allocations, proposed adjustments, and other budget provisions.
Sotto maintained that the chamber would not tolerate questionable changes that could violate constitutional spending limits as Congress works toward finalizing the 2027 national budget.
