Mayors want 'conscientious' scrutiny of 2024 national budget

A mayors’ organization on Wednesday called on lawmakers to “conscientiously” scrutinize the proposed P5.768-trillion national budget for 2024 amid various economic and security issues and controversy over confidential funds.

In a statement, the Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG) said they are closely following the developments on the budget deliberations as they appeal for the redirecting of “unnecessary expenditures” to programs benefiting the public.

“Kami ay nananawagan sa mga mambabatas sa Kongreso at Senado na maging mas mabusisi at maingat sa pagbalangkas ng national budget,” the M4GG said.

(We are urging the Congress and Senate to conscientiously scrutinize the 2024 national budget.)

“Idirekta ang unnecessary expenditures sa mga programang makatutulong sa mga maliliit na bayan, sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda, sa mga konsyumer, at sa iba pang mga programa na nangangalaga ng kaayusan at kapayapaan sa ating bansa,” they said.

(Unnecessary expenditures should be directed to programs that will aid small localities, fisherfolks and farmers, consumers, and other items that will maintain the country’s peace and security.)

The group also appealed to elected officials to “responsibly and honestly” utilize public funds, adding the Philippines is burdened with a record debt of P14 trillion, the rising prices of commodities, a transportation crisis, and intensifying national security issues.

“Tayong mga lingkod-bayan ay tinatawag ngayon na magkaisa at sabay-sabay na tumungo sa landas ng mabuting pamamahala. Simulan natin ito sa isang national budget na walang bahid ng katiwalian at totoong tututok sa pangangailangan ng bawat Pilipino,” they said.

(We public servants are now being called to coordinate and be good leaders. Let us start it by passing a national budget without corruption and will answer the needs of Filipinos.)

“Ang pera ng taumbayan, dapat gastusin lamang para sa taumbayan,” they added.

(The public’s money should be used for them.)

M4GG is an organization composed of 157 local chief executives nationwide. Among its members are Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Isabela de Basilan Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin Hataman, and Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro.

On September 27, the House of Representatives approved the proposed 2024 national budget on the third and final reading, subject to pending amendments by a small committee.

The small committee started the discussions on the proposed amendments, including the realignment of confidential and intelligence funds of agencies, on October 3. The output of the discussions is expected to be released on October 10.

Meanwhile, Senate hearings on the 2024  National Expenditure Program (NEP) are still ongoing.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. previously certified as urgent the passage of the General Appropriations Bill, containing the 2024 NEP. — BM, GMA Integrated News