Senator Robin Padilla on Monday proposed updating constitutional provisions to prevent anomalies in the 2027 national budget, following his decision to vote against the ratification of the 2026 budget.
During deliberations, Padilla expressed concerns over unclear allocations for government assistance programs and criticized what he described as a “Manila-centric” focus in the proposed budget.
He recommended that the legislature consider amending the Constitution, particularly provisions granting lawmakers the power to modify the budget.
“Marahil ay napapanahon na upang mag-considera ang pag-amyenda ng ating saligang batas...Ang pag-update sa mga probisyon ng konstitusyon, lalo na po patungkol sa kapangyarihan ng legislation sa pag-amyenda ng budget. Baka maaaring pag-aralan kung nararapat nating alisin ang kapangyarihan ng lehislatura na mag-amyenda ng budget dahil nakita natin madali itong maabuso ng mga gahamang nasa pwesto o di kaya'y patibayin ang mga limitasyon sa kapangyarihang ito,” he explained.
Acknowledging the lengthy and complex process of constitutional amendments, Padilla also pushed for his Senate Bill 1299, dubbed the "Mahiya Naman Kayo Act." The measure seeks to eliminate lawmakers’ intervention in the allocation, funding, and implementation of projects.
Citing these reasons, Padilla voted “no” on House Bill No. 4058. “Hindi po ibig sabihin na baliwala lahat ang hirap ni Sen. Gatchalian, ako po'y saludo sa kanya, ngunit kailangan pong ibigay ko ang boto na ito para sa taong bayan,” he said.
Padilla criticized the budget’s focus, pointing out insufficient funding for indigenous communities, which he said are often sources of unrest, rebellion, and terrorism.
“Ako po’y naniniwala na kulang pa rin ang pondo sa sektor ng mga katutubong pamayanan, na lagi pong pinagmumulan ng kaguluhan, ng rebelyon, at terorismo,” Padilla said.
He also highlighted that Mindanao would only receive 15% of the total budget, calling this allocation inadequate.
The senator referenced recent controversies, noting that allegations of lawmakers inserting projects into the 2025 national expenditure program fueled public distrust.
Padilla expressed disbelief at reports naming him among senators allegedly involved in insertions in the Cabral files or the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) budget from 2023 to 2026.
