Manila: Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday expressed skepticism over former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co’s allegations of a PHP100-billion budget insertion, citing inconsistencies with the established budget process and basic logic.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian, in an interview with DZMM, found it perplexing that Co attributed the alleged insertions to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. He pointed out that chief executives typically prioritize their programs at the beginning of the National Expenditure Program (NEP), rather than adding them at the last minute. He explained that if a President wishes to include something in the budget, it is usually placed at the start to avoid disrupting the entire budget process.

Gatchalian highlighted inconsistencies in Co’s claims, mentioning some of the listed items, such as minor secondary road projects in Valenzuela City, which did not align with how presidential priorities are normally structured. He questioned why the President would allocate resources to very small projects, such as secondary roads, instead of focusing on highways or major roads.

Further, Gatchalian noted contradictions between Co’s list and the President’s actual actions, as several items appearing in Co’s alleged document were among those vetoed in the 2025 budget. He questioned why the President would veto items he allegedly inserted, indicating discrepancies with the normal budgetary process.

Gatchalian, who chairs the Finance committee, also emphasized the Senate’s firm stance against introducing new projects during the bicameral conference committee, a practice previously linked to last-minute allocations. He stressed that the Senate would not allow such additions, as they compromise the integrity of the budget process.

He reiterated the Senate’s commitment to transparency, stating that late insertions disrupt carefully crafted budget priorities and hinder transparency. Gatchalian explained that last-minute program additions force the removal of others, creating disruptions in the budget’s overall structure.

Gatchalian also pledged to continue pushing for greater transparency in budget deliberations. He noted that the Senate’s committee report has been made available on the Senate website for public scrutiny. He reaffirmed that reforms in the bicameral process are among the Senate’s top priorities as the 2026 budget progresses.