29/11/2025
๐ฆ๐๐ก๐๐ง๐ข๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ก ๐ฃ๐๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐ง๐๐ก๐ข ๐๐๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ฆ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ก๐๐ง๐ ๐ฃ๐๐๐ก๐ฆ ๐๐ข๐ฅ ๐ง๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐๐๐๐ง
On 28 November 2025, the two-week-long marathon of budget deliberations for the 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) has came to end. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano interpellated on various agencies discussing their budgets, initiative projects, and their respective scope of responsibilities. He also tackled the problems that were not given any importance or highlight.
๐ซOn anti-corruption, he reminded the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) that part of its role is to pressure agencies and officials to fix slow processes even if doing so makes them uncomfortable, emphasizing that the priority should always be faster, more predictable service for the public.
๐ ๏ธOn Labor, he raised concern over the length of time it takes to resolve labor complaints, especially judicial cases; delays across the system continue to disadvantage ordinary workers. The long process puts a heavier burden on workers who cannot afford months without income while their cases drag on. He stressed that employers, especially large companies, have the financial capacity to withstand long disputes, leaving workers at a structural disadvantage. He also raised renewed concerns over the alleged use of the TUPAD program for political purposes. Revisiting issues previously tackled in past budget hearings
๐On Transportation, Sen. Alan urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to take a more proactive approach in moving the Mindanao Railway forward, saying even limited groundwork would show that long-term development is not confined to Metro Manila. Sen. Cayetano already warned about rapid urbanization, saying poorly planned growth is straining many emerging cities and agencies must anticipate population shifts instead of reacting when congestion appears.
The Minority Leader said countries with strong rural development systems show how regions can thrive without depending on capital cities. He demanded to fast-track the development of infrastructure that will link major sea, air, and land ports to help strengthen the countryโs tourism sector.
