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Palace welcomes Escudero’s ‘negative list’ to prevent infra fund wastage
Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero urged Malacañang to create a "negative list" of infrastructure projects that will not be funded in the 2026 national budget to prevent questionable projects.
He proposed a proactive approach where the Palace clearly defines prohibited projects from the outset to avoid the inclusion of "useless projects" and ensure "zero budget for zero-benefit projects."
This call follows the Senate blue ribbon committee's inquiry into anomalous flood control projects, where it was revealed that a significant portion of the budget was awarded to a small number of contractors.
Escudero suggested the negative list should include low-value, overpriced items like reflective studs and slope protection nets, as well as "vanity projects" such as waiting sheds and swimming pools.
Malacañang, through Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, welcomed Escudero's suggestion and stated that the Department of Budget and Management and Department of Public Works and Highways are directed to investigate potential "insertions" in the budget.
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