Lacson urges stronger safeguards against abuse, patronage in 2026 budget

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson urged the Senate to adopt clear and foolproof safeguards in the proposed P6.793-trillion 2026 national budget to prevent political interference and abuse.

He particularly mentioned three contentious areas, including the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP), funding for farm-to-market roads, and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget restoration.

In a television interview on Tuesday, Lacson emphasized that public funds must be shielded from corruption. 

“Safeguards are important to me, to make sure public funds in the budget do not go to corruption. That is the bottom line for me,” he said. He added that he might side with the minority bloc in withholding ratification if the measures are not “foolproof.”

Lacson earlier raised concerns over MAIFIP, which he said has been misused through guarantee letters issued by lawmakers, limiting the reach of the Universal Health Care program. 

“The implementation of health care must be politically blind and objective,” he said, stressing that legislators’ role is strictly to craft the budget, not implement it.

To address this, the Senate adopted Lacson’s “anti-epal” amendment, which blocks and penalizes political involvement in aid distribution. 

The amendment will apply broadly, covering MAIFIP and other aid programs such as the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS). Additional funding is expected to be directed to the Department of Health and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to meet public health needs.

On the other hand, Lacson said additional safeguards are being considered to ensure project integrity, particularly on farm-to-market programs.

“This should be based on data. Projects should not be identified by lawmakers. But there should be more. We are looking into additional safeguards to ensure the integrity of the farm-to-market roads,” he said.

Regarding DPWH’s request to restore cuts in its budget, Lacson called on the department to clarify any errors in its computations. He also questioned the unprecedented invitation of DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon to a bicameral conference committee meeting on Sunday, which Lacson said turned the session into a de facto committee hearing.

Lacson urged both chambers to find a middle ground to prevent a reenacted budget, even amid reported “threats” facing House leaders who may resist individual amendments from some members. 

“If you find it hard to strike a balance, do what is right,” he said.