Sen. JV Ejercito said the Senate’s trust ratings could improve following reforms introduced by its new leadership, including greater transparency in scrutinizing the proposed P7.2-trillion 2027 national budget.
Ejercito said confidential funds should be limited to agencies with law enforcement, military, national security, or presidential mandates, while agencies receiving lump-sum allocations must submit detailed programs of work.
He said the measures aim to prevent corruption and a repeat of questionable budget insertions linked to the flood control scandal.
Ejercito’s remarks came after an OCTA Research survey showed the Senate’s trust rating fell to 41 percent from 44 percent, while its performance rating dropped to 38 percent from 42 percent.
The poll also showed the House of Representatives gaining public trust, with its trust rating rising to 38 percent from 36 percent.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 6, 2026
