It is the latest chapter in the ongoing national controversy.
In a scathing statement from the Office of Executive Secretary (OES) led by Sec. Lucas Bersamin on Saturday, September 6, members of the cabinet berated the Lower House of Congress.
It read, “The Cabinet strongly objects to the recent spins coming from certain members of the House of Representatives who are thereby attempting to shift the blame for their own corruption and failures onto the Executive Branch.”
The Members of the Cabinet also said that will “not tolerate any attack on the integrity and reputation of the Executive Branch,” and any effort to hold the budget process “hostage by political theatrics.”
“All our investigations into the anomalies will be futile if the sources of corruption remain unchecked,” the statement furthered.
Lastly, the cabinet did not mince words and told the House of Representatives: “Hence, we urge the House of Representatives to heed the demand of the people for full accountability: CLEAN YOUR HOUSE FIRST!“
While no personalities were named, this statement came out after lawmakers pushed for the return of the PHP6.7 trillion 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) after some entries that were found to be problematic.
Some of the points raised by Deputy Speaker and Antipolo Rep. Ronaldo Puno included zero budgets for multi-year projects and funding for already completed projects.
Similarly, the Senate raised this issue, with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) being found with alleged duplicate entries.
Newly installed Public Works Sec. Vince Dizon and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman have since been instructed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to conduct a thorough review and issue an errata if needed.
“The President emphasized that the review must lead to the necessary changes to guarantee transparency, accountability, and the proper use of the people’s money, ensuring that resources are directed toward infrastructure projects that genuinely serve and benefit the Filipino people,” the Presidential Communications Office (PCO)’s prior statement read.