Nothing malicious in corruption accusation — ES

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin clarified in front of House of Representatives members on Monday, Sept. 8, that he meant nothing malicious when he accused the solons of corruption on the issue of the national budget.

- By ELLSON QUISMORIO

"There is nothing intended that is malicious or to malign anyone in the House of Representatives," a rather meek Bersamin told the congressmen.

Bersamin faced the House Committee on Appropriations Monday to justify the Office of President's (OP) proposed P27.362-billion budget under the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP).

Citing the long tradition of the House in giving "institutional and parliamentary courtesy" to the OP during budget deliberations, Minority Leader 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino 'Nonoy" Libanan moved for the early termination of the proceedings.

But Libanan first sought clarification about Bersamin's scathing statement against the Lower Chamber on Saturday, Sept. 6. "There are pressing issues that need to be clarified," the minority leader said, before reading the particular statement.

"The Cabinet strongly objects to the recent spins coming from certain members of the House of Representatives who are thereby attempting to shift the blame for their own corruption and failures onto the Executive Branch," the 4Ps solon said, quoting Bersamin.