Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez is calling for stricter oversight, equitable distribution of funds, and lasting budget reform.
The nation needs a transparent and responsive national budget, he said in a statement issued Wednesday, July 30.
“The time has come to fix a broken system and to ensure that all Filipinos, regardless of where they live, benefit from the promise of inclusive and responsive governance,” Benitez said.
Benitez said the 2024 and 2025 national budgets brought to light serious concerns about how public funds are allocated.
“Many now question the transparency and accountability of the budget process, and — more importantly — whether the final GAA (General Appropriations Act) passed by Congress truly reflects the needs of ordinary Filipinos,” he said.
One of the most alarming trends is the centralization of massive budget allocations to a few selected regions, provinces, or local government units, he said.
While some areas receive overwhelming funding — often for local infrastructure — many LGUs with urgent and legitimate needs are left underfunded, he said.
These disproportionate allocations run counter to the very principle of inclusive development, Benitez said.
Every community, especially those that are underserved, should receive its fair share of national resources based on data, need, and long-term impact — not on political proximity or influence, he said.
Benitez also said vital sectors such as education, health care, and social protection are facing budget cuts.
While the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) saw its budget balloon to over ₱1.11 trillion in 2025, key social services were deprioritized and are now underfunded, he said.
“This has drawn public criticism, with our kababayan now asking if pork barrel politics is back —just repackaged under a different label,” he added.
To address these systemic issues, Benitez said he fully supports the proposed reforms filed by Rep. Toby Tiangco.
His bill calls for open plenary debates on all budget amendments, the creation of an independent appropriations committee, and stricter safeguards against the misuse of government aid programs, Benitez said.
These are concrete and necessary steps toward restoring fairness, transparency, and accountability in the budget process, he said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his State of the Nation Address sent a firm message that questionable insertions and political maneuvering will not be tolerated under his administration, Benitez said.
“The national budget must reflect the real and pressing needs of our people. Every peso must be spent where it matters most: in our classrooms, health centers, public housing, livelihood programs, and local communities that have long been overlooked,” he said.
Benitez also said as he begins his term in Congress, he is deeply committed to ensuring the welfare of the people of Bacolod.*