Sotto defends budget amendments as necessary for community projects

Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III clarified that amendments and insertions made during budget deliberations are standard parts of the legislative process, stating it is unfortunate that controversies surrounding "ghost projects" and failed flood control initiatives are generalized to label all amendments as improper.

He emphasized that many of these amendments were intended for essential projects such as additional classrooms, farm-to-market roads, and bridges that benefit communities, especially in far-flung provinces.

Sotto explained that these requests often come from local government units that were not included by their respective regional councils for various reasons.

He stressed that senators have the mandate to amend and determine government spending allocation, serving as a crucial check-and-balance mechanism.

For the 2026 budget, Sotto pledged to implement measures to enhance transparency, public involvement, and accountability in the budget process.