Members of the progressive Makabayan bloc in Congress have strongly criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent warning to veto the 2026 national budget if it does not align with his administration’s National Expenditure Program (NEP), labeling it a “dangerous assault” on the constitutional separation of powers.
In a joint press statement, ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio and Kabataan Rep. Atty. Renee Louise Co warned that Marcos’ ultimatum undermines the constitutional mandate of Congress to deliberate and amend the national budget—a power historically known as the “power of the purse.”
“President Marcos is essentially demanding that Congress rubber-stamp his budget without any meaningful deliberation or amendment,” said Tinio, who serves as House Deputy Minority Leader. “Ang ginagawa ni Marcos ay parang sinasabi niya na walang kapangyarihan ang Kongreso kundi sundin lang ang gusto niya. Hindi ito demokrasya—ito ay authoritarianism.”
The lawmakers expressed alarm over Marcos’ stated preference for a reenacted budget should Congress refuse to adopt the NEP wholesale. They argued that such a move would grant the President unchecked discretion over public funds, bypassing the safeguards typically imposed by Congress through line-item budgeting and special provisions.
“Sa ilalim ng reenacted budget, ang buong pondo ng bayan ay magiging pork barrel ni Marcos na pwede niyang gamitin kahit saan niya gusto, walang hadlang,” said Co, Assistant Minority Leader and Kabataan Party-list representative.
The bloc also questioned the President’s framing of the issue as a fight against corruption, suggesting that the real motive is to consolidate executive control over public spending.
“Kung talagang gusto ni Marcos na labanan ang katiwalian, bakit niya gustong alisin ang mga restrictions na inilalagay ng Kongreso sa budget?” Tinio asked. “Bakit niya gustong maging reenacted budget na mas madaling gamitin para sa corruption?”
The Makabayan bloc urged fellow legislators to resist any attempt to reduce Congress to a ceremonial body, emphasizing that budget deliberations are a cornerstone of democratic governance.
“The power of the purse belongs to the people’s representatives, not to any single individual, regardless of their position,” the statement read.
They vowed to continue advocating for fiscal transparency, democratic accountability, and a budget process that reflects the needs and priorities of ordinary Filipinos—not the whims of an increasingly centralized executive. (ZIA LUNA)
