Agencies make budget changes, not individual lawmakers – solon

MANILA, Philippines — The proposed amendments reviewed by the House budget subcommittee originated from government agencies, rejecting the suggestion that individual lawmakers could simply introduce projects of their own choosing through the panel, according to Camarines Sur 4th District Rep. Arnie Fuentebella.

Fuentebella, a member of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, said the Budget Amendments Review Subcommittee (BARSc) examined agency requests before presenting proposed changes to the House plenary for approval.

“BARC doesn’t discuss anything that didn’t come from them [agencies],” Fuentebella said at a press conference on Monday.

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“It’s not what Congressman A wants that gets followed. It’s not like that,” he added.

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Fuentebella said the requests must originate from government agencies and undergo further deliberation before they can become part of the House-approved budget.

He explained that proposed amendments were considered and voted on during second-reading deliberations before the budget bill proceeded to third and final reading.

Fuentebella also cited the House’s decision to provide ₱500 million for the Department of Education’s School Safety and Security Program following incidents involving students.

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“But what Congress allocated 500 million [pesos] for was DepEd to secure our schools,” he said.

He added that the allocation demonstrated how lawmakers could address urgent public needs through the budget amendment process.

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Fuentebella also pointed to changes in the bicameral conference process, saying the House leadership wanted to prevent the introduction of new projects outside the amendments already approved by the chamber.

“When it comes to the bicam, there are no insertions. Congress doesn’t make amendments,” he said.

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The proposed 2027 national budget is now under Senate review before bicameral deliberations. /atm