Chiz wants local execs in budget hearings

Governors and mayors need to be present during budget deliberations, Senate President Francis Escudero said yesterday, stressing their perspectives have "been sidelined for too long" in the crafting of the national spending plan.

- By NEIL JAYSON SERVALLOS

"It is now time to give them a seat at the table," Escudero said, adding that he has recommended to finance committee chairman Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian that local chief executives be invited to actively participate in hearings on the proposed 2026 national budget.

He argued that since bureau officials and division heads regularly appear before senators to defend their allocations, local leaders — who oversee the implementation of many national projects — should likewise have the chance to offer feedback or be given relevant information.