Palace budget control limits Congress's probe on flood control order

Congress's attempt to investigate the President's order regarding flood control contracts was hindered by the President's budget control.

Congress, particularly the House, holds the power of the purse, but the President initially proposes the national budget.

The final expenditure details remain under the control of the Palace, which manages the national budget, limiting Congress's effectiveness.

The bureaucracy's ability to influence financial processes also contributed to the limitations faced by Congress.

Experts note that the Philippine budget process, particularly the bicameral conference committee's latitude, appears to be a fiscal free-for-all compared to other nations like the US, Germany, UK, and South Africa.

While some lawmakers argue the bicam's latitude is a legislative prerogative against executive overreach, critics describe it as a power grab and insolence.

A budget watchdog suggests curtailing the bicam's powers and mandating open sessions for public scrutiny.