The Senate is considering a special provision in the 2027 national budget to strengthen transparency and prevent misuse of confidential funds.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said he and Senate finance committee chair JV Ejercito will study the proposal following concerns raised during recent impeachment hearings.
Gatchalian also urged the Commission on Audit to update its guidelines on documenting informants and defining the roles of security officers handling confidential funds.
He expressed support for a proposed measure that would impose penalties for misuse, but said amending the COA guidelines would be the quickest immediate step.
The Senate will also retain an “anti-epal” provision in the 2027 budget to prevent politicians from claiming credit for government aid programs.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 7, 2026
