Senator Panfilo Lacson has issued a formal warning against the use of illicit lobbying tactics during the upcoming 2027 national budget review. He emphasized that government departments must provide legitimate justifications for their financial requirements instead of engaging in improper influence to secure funding. Agencies facing budget cuts within the National Expenditure Program are permitted to seek restoration of their allocations, provided they offer valid evidence to both legislative chambers. To ensure accountability, Lacson advocated for increased oversight, including the participation of civil society organizations and budget experts. Furthermore, he proposed maintaining continuous livestreaming of legislative proceedings, specifically during bicameral conference committee sessions, to uphold transparency throughout the entire fiscal approval process. The senator remains committed to preventing corruption as Congress begins its rigorous examination of the government's proposed spending plan.
Source : The Manila Times
Photo : The Manila Times
