Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson reiterated his push for clear and foolproof safeguards in the P6.793-trillion proposed budget for 2026 to prevent abuse and political patronage, especially in at least three contentious issues.

In particular, Lacson said there must be no political interference in the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP), funding for farm-to-market roads, and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)'s request to restore cuts in its budget.

"Some special provisions have been prepared to address the issues. We are studying the safeguards now. I am looking for ways to ensure these safeguards will be foolproof, that they will not be exploited by politicians," Lacson said in an interview on One News late Monday, December 15.

“Safeguards are important to me, to make sure public funds in the budget do not go to corruption. That is the bottom line for me,” the senator said.

“I made it clear that unless I see the safeguards are foolproof, I may go along with the minority if they will not sign to ratify the budget bill. We have our own advocacies. Some advocate education and health. My advocacy is to fix the budget,” he stressed.

Earlier, Lacson said he will not sign to ratify next year’s national budget bill if the provisions granting massive amounts to the MAIFIP and unvetted farm-to-market roads (FMRs) are rectified.

The MAIFIP, which involves guarantee letters (GLs) issued by lawmakers and politicians, is one culprit that prevents the Universal Health Care (UHC) program from covering all barangays.

“The implementation of health care must be politically blind and objective,” he said, adding that lawmakers' roles are limited to crafting the budget and not implementing it.

Lacson said he and fellow senators in the majority bloc also agreed that there should "absolutely" be no GLs and that additional funds should go to the Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to address people's health needs.

Moreover, Lacson said the Senate adopted his amendment to block and penalize political involvement in the distribution of aid, and placed it under the general provision of its version of the budget bill so it will be all-encompassing.

This includes not just MAIFIP but also other forms of aid including Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).

Meanwhile, Lacson said the issue on the FMRs should be based on data and “projects should not be identified by lawmakers.”

“But there should be more. We are looking into additional safeguards to ensure the integrity of the farm-to-market roads," he said.

On the other hand, the DPWH should clarify that it erred in its computations—not the Senate—if it insists on restoring its budget cut.

Lacson pointed out that the Senate merely cut the DPWH’s 2026 budget based on its earlier pronouncements and its own data.

Lacson also questioned why DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon was invited to the bicameral conference committee meeting Sunday - an unprecedented move that he said virtually turned the proceeding to a committee hearing.

He also said both houses of Congress must find a middle ground to prevent a reenacted budget, and do what is right even when “threatened.”

The lawmaker said he received information that House leaders are facing "threats" if they do not accommodate the individual amendments of some House members.

“If you find it hard to strike a balance, do what is right,” he said.