House Speaker Martin Romualdez has filed a bill that will change the way the government uses its budget. The goal is to make sure that money is used properly, services are delivered faster, and all spending is easier to check.
Romualdez, who represents Leyte’s 1st District, filed House Bill No. 11, also called the Budget Modernization Act, on June 30.
This bill will use a cash-based budgeting system, which means the government can only spend money on goods and services that are already delivered and accepted within the same year. This will help avoid delays in projects and make sure the budget is used on time.
The bill also supports better planning, especially for infrastructure projects, so they can be finished within the budget year.
Romualdez said this new system will fix old problems where money was set aside but not actually spent. This has led to delays in building roads, schools, and other important services.
It also addresses problems like “parked” funds and off-budget items, by making rules clearer and more transparent.
The bill limits the use of lump-sum funds that don’t have clear goals or deadlines. It also requires government agencies to use a digital system that will track every peso spent. This will help the public and lawmakers monitor how government money is used.
Representatives Andrew Julian Romualdez and Jude Acidre of the Tingog Party-list helped write the bill.
