Senate Budget Safeguards: A Call to Action Against Unconstitutional Spending in 2025

The Need for Constitutional Compliance In a recent plenary session, Hontiveros raised an essential question regarding the Senate's responsibility to uphold constitutional principles in budgetary allocations. She expressed concern over the possibility of the GAA exceeding the NEP, which could lead to legal challenges and undermine public trust in government spending. Hontiveros urged Sen. Grace Poe, the budget sponsor, to consider implementing a resolution that would mandate adherence to the NEP limits, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the budget process. The Controversy of Unprogrammed Funds One of the most pressing issues in the 2024 budget was the controversial inclusion of P449.5 billion in unprogrammed funds, significantly surpassing the NEP's request of P281.9 billion. This surplus raised eyebrows among lawmakers and sparked debates about transparency and accountability. Hontiveros highlighted the negative implications of redirecting essential funds for major infrastructure projects, such as the MRT LINE 4 and the Metro Manila Subway Project, into unprogrammed allocations. Such actions not only jeopardize vital public services but also contribute to a climate of uncertainty within government budgeting. A Call for Project Protection During her engagement with Poe, Hontiveros proposed a vital amendment to protect funds designated for projects prioritized by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). By ensuring that these allocations are safeguarded from being diverted into unprogrammed funds, lawmakers can better guarantee that crucial infrastructure projects receive the financial support they require. Poe's acknowledgment of Hontiveros's concerns indicates a willingness to address these issues, though she stopped short of committing to specific changes.