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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Let's work this out, Javi Benitez tells political leaders amid high drama on budget

Let's work this out, Javi Benitez tells political leaders amid high drama on budget

Published Sep 7, 2025 02:44 pm

At A Glance

  • Negros Occidental 3rd district Rep. Javier Miguel "Javi" Benitez is appealing for a "working solution" amid the high political drama that he is witnessing among the country's top political institutions.
Negros Occidental 3rd district Rep. Javier Miguel "Javi" Benitez (Facebook)
Negros Occidental 3rd district Rep. Javier Miguel "Javi" Benitez (Facebook)


Negros Occidental 3rd district Rep. Javier Miguel "Javi" Benitez is appealing for a "working solution" amid the high political drama that he is witnessing among the country’s top political institutions.
This, as Benitez and the rest of his colleagues in the House of Representatives grapple with both a problematic 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) and public outrage over anomalous and "ghost" flood control projects.
"As a concerned citizen, a neophyte lawmaker, and a former Mayor, I am appealing to our national leaders... the President, Vice President, Senate, House, and the Executive Branch: please find a working solution to this division," Benitez wrote on Facebook Saturday afternoon, Sept. 6.
He posted this shortly after Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin released a statement condemning the supposed attempts of some House members to blame the executive branch for the NEP's irregularities.
"Our people need confidence and trust in government. And the world is watching, our allies and potential investors want to see whether the Philippines can provide stability and unity," said Benitez.
The "House Hotshots" member stressed to the country’s leaders that "We cannot afford prolonged political theatrics."
"What we need is accountability with cooperation, debate with respect, and unity with purpose. This is how we strengthen our institutions, restore trust, and show that the Philippines is a trusted leader and dependable partner on the world stage. " he added.
The P6.793-trillion NEP or proposed national budget for 2026 is the biggest in the country’s history.
The NEP emanates from the executive branch through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Once the DBM submits it to the House of Representatives, the latter crafts the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) from it.
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