Zero subsidy para sa PhilHealth, hindi sinang-ayunan ni Sen. Pimentel | #TedFailonAndDJChacha

Summary

The transcript discusses concerns about transparency and inefficiency in the Philippine government's budgeting process. A senator expresses frustration over limited access to budget information and cuts in essential programs like the 4Ps. Despite the introduction of technical working groups aimed at improving the process, the senator notes that there has been little improvement in the flow of information or communication between lawmakers and the executive branch. The overall lack of transparency and timely updates leaves lawmakers with limited ability to make informed decisions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Concerns over budget cuts in various government departments, including Education and Social Welfare.
• 😀 Worry about the reduction in funding for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which helps the poorest citizens.
• 😀 There is a waiting list for the 4Ps program, suggesting more funding should be allocated to it.
• 😀 The lack of transparency in the budgeting process is a major issue, with limited access to decision-making details.
• 😀 Even senators are struggling to obtain the necessary information to evaluate budget allocation decisions.
• 😀 Technical working groups are not effectively communicating budget changes, leading to uncertainty and confusion.
• 😀 There are concerns about cuts to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) funding, with no prior warning given to lawmakers.
• 😀 The shift from 'big panel' to 'small panel' in decision-making processes has led to little improvement in transparency or involvement.
• 😀 The flow of information in the budgeting process is insufficient, preventing lawmakers from fully understanding the decisions being made.
• 😀 The speaker stresses the need for improved communication and transparency in government budgeting, including early involvement of lawmakers.
• 😀 The speaker calls for changes to ensure critical social programs are funded properly and that lawmakers have the tools to make informed decisions.

Q & A

What is the main concern raised about the current budgeting process?

The main concern is the lack of transparency and proper communication in the budgeting process, especially regarding the allocation of funds for key government programs.

What is the issue with the technical working group in the budget process?

The issue with the technical working group is that it lacks sufficient involvement of lawmakers and does not provide adequate information or warnings about changes in the budget, such as potential reductions to important programs like healthcare.

How does the speaker feel about the reduction in funding for the Department of Education and DSWD?

The speaker expresses concern and confusion over the reductions in funding for the Department of Education and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as they believe these are essential areas that should be prioritized.

What specific program is mentioned as being at risk due to potential budget cuts?

The '4Ps' (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program), which targets the poorest of the poor, is mentioned as being at risk due to potential cuts. The speaker emphasizes that this program should be increased, not reduced, as there is a waiting list of beneficiaries.

What does the speaker suggest regarding the communication flow in the budgeting process?

The speaker suggests that the flow of information needs to improve, with clearer communication about the budgeting plan and consensus, so that lawmakers are not blindsided and can make informed decisions.

How does the speaker compare the previous and current budgeting processes?

The speaker compares the previous and current processes, stating that there has been no significant improvement. Despite the change from a 'big panel' to a 'small panel,' the lack of transparency and information flow remains the same, with crucial decisions being made at the last minute.

What was the expected outcome at the end of the process, according to the speaker?

The speaker points out that, despite the ongoing process, lawmakers are still expected to sign off on the budget report and vote without being fully informed about the details of the decisions being made.

What is the speaker’s stance on the involvement of lawmakers in the budget process?

The speaker believes that lawmakers should have more access and involvement in the budget process. They express frustration over the lack of access and insufficient involvement of lawmakers in discussions, particularly when it comes to budgeting decisions.

How does the speaker describe the role of the technical working group?

The speaker describes the technical working group as ineffective and insufficient in providing the necessary information to lawmakers. They argue that it operates without giving lawmakers enough insight into the budgetary changes and decisions.

What is the impact of these budgetary issues on the country's welfare programs?

The impact is that critical welfare programs, such as healthcare and the 4Ps, may face reductions, which could harm the poorest and most vulnerable sectors of society, who rely on these programs for support.