Lacson vows scrutiny of House realignments in 2027 budget

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo Lacson has vowed to scrutinize billions in realignments in the House of Representatives’ version of the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027, including funding for Foreign-Assisted Projects (FAPs) and flood control projects which are prone to corruption.

Speaking to dzMM yesterday, Lacson warned the House “there will be more tears” when the Senate scrutinizes its version of the General Appropriations Bill.

Lacson was apparently throwing shade at House appropriations committee chair and Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela Suansing, who became emotional when the House passed its version of the outlay on final reading.

“It’s just the start because once we correct all their realignments, there will be more tears,” he said.

According to Senate finance committee chairman JV Ejercito, up to P206 billion was realigned in the House version of the proposed national budget.

The budget for FAPs was reduced by P130 billion; calamity fund, cut by P9.5 billion; the Department of Health Facilities Enhancement Program, by P4.5 billion; and immunization program, by P4 billion, among others.

Meanwhile, funding for the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients surged by P23.9 billion.

Lacson vowed to oppose the additional funding for the flood control projects, and restore the cuts in the FAPs.

In a separate development, senators yesterday denied the allegation of Vice President Sara Duterte that they are being pressured in her ongoing impeachment trial with the 2027 national budget being used as a bargaining chip.

Sen. Erwin Tulfo expressed surprise at the Vice President’s sweeping allegation: “For what? The 2027 budget? Wow!”–  Alexis Romero