Pork barrel politics

Pork barrel politics | Daily Tribune

Former Senate President Franklin Drilon’s assertion that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should regain control of the budget process is not only a stinging critique of Congress but also a call to arms against what he describes as the most corrupt and mangled budget he has ever seen.

According to Drilon, budget allocations meant to fund vital economic programs have mysteriously vanished, reallocated to unknown priorities. If true, this raises serious concerns about fiscal mismanagement and legislative overreach, potentially undermining economic recovery and national development.

Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the power of the purse belongs to Congress, but it is the President who prepares and submits the National Expenditure Program (NEP). Theoretically, this gives the executive branch significant control over budget priorities.

However, once in Congress, legislators have the power to realign funds through the General Appropriations Act (GAA). The problem arises when these realignments stray too far from their original intent, turning the budget into a playground for pork barrel politics.

Drilon’s frustration stems from the perception that Congress has exercised this power excessively, distorting budgetary priorities to benefit parochial interests rather than national economic recovery. The absence of transparency in these adjustments fuels suspicions of corruption, with realigned funds allegedly flowing into projects of dubious necessity or even ghost projects meant to enrich select individuals.

While Congress’s power to realign funds serves as a check on executive dominance, it has also been historically abused. Lawmakers have been known to insert questionable allocations, often disguised under ambiguous expenditure items. Reports of pork barrel-style allocations hidden within the budget reinforce suspicions that realignments are less about improving governance and more about political patronage.

Drilon’s statement that the 2025 budget is the most corrupt he has ever seen is particularly alarming given his decades of experience in government. If a veteran lawmaker sees rampant irregularities, then it is likely that large portions of the national budget have indeed been compromised.

If these claims are substantiated, the consequences could be severe: essential infrastructure projects may be delayed, economic programs could be underfunded, and vital social services might be neglected, all while questionable allocations continue to enrich a privileged few.

The timing of this budget controversy is crucial, as the Philippine economy faces inflationary pressures, high debt levels, and sluggish growth. The Marcos administration has emphasized infrastructure development and investment in key sectors such as agriculture and energy.

However, if the budget is hijacked by unnecessary realignments, these priorities could be left underfunded. A well-structured budget is the backbone of any economic recovery plan, and deviations from its intended allocation could cripple efforts to improve public services and attract foreign investments.

Marcos Jr. has largely avoided direct confrontations with Congress regarding the budget, perhaps wary of upsetting key allies. However, if the allegations of massive corruption and reckless budget manipulation hold weight, then regaining control is not just an option but a necessity.

The President has the power to veto questionable allocations in the GAA and push for greater accountability in budget disbursement. Additionally, an institutionalized mechanism for transparency and independent auditing could help ensure that realignments serve public interest rather than private greed.

Drilon’s warning serves as a wake-up call: without tighter control and greater transparency, the national budget risks becoming a tool for political enrichment rather than economic development.

Marcos Jr. must decide whether to reclaim the budget process or allow legislative realignments to continue unchecked. If he truly aims to move the economy forward, then ensuring that public funds are spent responsibly should be his top priority.