Gatchalian: 'Someone must pay' over controversial budget insertions

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, expressed skepticism over reported insertions in the National Expenditure Program (NEP), also known as the President’s budget, calling the practice “odd but possible.”

In a DZMM radio interview on Monday, Gatchalian said it would be unusual for the President to add projects at the end of the budget document rather than at the front.

"Nagtataka ako bakit ang Presidente maglalagay ng napakaliit na projects sa iba’t-ibang lugar, (I wonder why the President would put up such small projects in various places,)" he said.

He noted that many of the inserted projects were small-scale, such as the construction of secondary roads in Valenzuela, rather than major infrastructure like highways.

Upon closer examination, Gatchalian observed further inconsistencies, including the President vetoing several projects that were reportedly inserted—raising questions about the credibility of former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co’s claims.

"Maraming hindi tumutugma sa normal process and also yung logic kung bakit ginawa yun, (There are many things that don't match the normal process and also the logic behind why it was done,)" he added.

Gatchalian explained that “insertions” refer to budget items amended or added by Congress, typically following requests from government agencies. However, in the context of the ongoing flood control controversy, insertions could be abused.

"Bago pa lumabas yung NEP, mayroon nang lagayan. Ibig sabihin nun ay bago pa lumabas yung budget, mayroon na silang kausap na contractor, (Before the NEP came out, there was already a budget. That means before the budget came out, they were already talking to a contractor,)" he said, referring to arrangements that could compromise the integrity of the budget process.

On Zaldy Co’s allegations

Over the weekend, Zaldy Co released a three-part video claiming insider knowledge of alleged wrongdoing.

While his statements remain unproven, Gatchalian said his office has acted to prevent last-minute project insertions in this year’s bicameral budget deliberations.

"Isa sa mga reporma na mahigpit nating gagawin pagdating dito sa bicam, (One of the reforms that we will strictly implement when it comes to the bicam)" he said.

The senator emphasized that the Senate is working toward a more transparent budgeting process.

"Patuloy naming ginagawang mas transparent pa, (We continue to make it even more transparent,)" he added.

Gatchalian stressed the importance of accountability. He vowed that anyone involved in illicit exchanges of money would face legal consequences.

"Importante dito mayroon managot at may makulong, (It is important that someone is held accountable and someone goes to jail,)" he said.

He also highlighted that while legislative reforms are crucial, the judiciary must perform its role to ensure the rule of law and bring the controversy to a full resolution.