{
  "hearing": {
    "hearing_id": 5,
    "title": "House Committee on Appropriations: DTI - August 24, 2026",
    "hearing_date": "2026-08-24",
    "official_url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YAwilEO4sQ"
  },
  "digest_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/digests/h5/",
  "notice": "AI-assisted working draft. AI can make errors. Always verify consequential interpretations and wording against the cited transcript and official video.",
  "at_a_glance": [
    {
      "label": "Budget frame",
      "text": "DTI's FY 2027 NEP allocation was PHP 10.55 billion including attached agencies and corporations, compared with its PHP 17 billion request to DBM. The NEP allocation was PHP 1.36 billion below the FY 2026 GAA. DTI Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque confirmed the PHP 17 billion request when asked and clarified that the roughly PHP 10 billion allocation covered the entire DTI. Presiding Rep. Charisse Anne C. Hernandez used PHP 10.9 billion at closing; the hearing did not reconcile that figure with the opening PHP 10.55 billion.",
      "citations": []
    },
    {
      "label": "What DTI put forward",
      "text": "DTI's core work covered foreign trade and investment, consumer protection and fair trade, and MSME development, alongside Tatak Pinoy, investment facilitation, enterprise finance, product safety, and priority industries.",
      "citations": []
    },
    {
      "label": "Central budget dispute",
      "text": "Members repeatedly asked what reductions would mean for market access, standards enforcement, industry development, automotive incentives, cooperative support, regional offices, creative industries, and economic-zone operations. DTI commonly described constrained fiscal space, DBM decisions, or a need for House support; no revised appropriation was decided in the briefing.",
      "citations": []
    },
    {
      "label": "Industry and investment scrutiny",
      "text": "Pax Silica, New Clark City utilities and safeguards, local-vehicle participation, CARS and RACE, semiconductor and advanced-manufacturing plans, and prospective investments were examined. Several descriptions remained prospective, and members sought documents, consultation information, policy details, or project-specific follow-up.",
      "citations": []
    },
    {
      "label": "Trade and consumer concerns",
      "text": "The hearing covered export promotion, halal certification, bamboo procurement, U.S. tariffs, product standards, substandard goods, and consumer enforcement. DTI described market-diversification and enforcement work but left requested data, compliance findings, and some legal or program outcomes for follow-up.",
      "citations": []
    },
    {
      "label": "Attached bodies and regional delivery",
      "text": "CDA, APECO, SB Corporation, BOI, PEZA, and DTI's regional and bureau functions were questioned on staffing, financing, infrastructure, investment facilitation, and local-program delivery. Reported requests and plans were not equivalent to approved funding or completed projects.",
      "citations": []
    },
    {
      "label": "Committee follow-up",
      "text": "At closing, Committee Chair Rep. Mikaela Angela B. Suansing asked DTI to submit priority programs and projects, ideally that week, for BARC and the Committee on Appropriations to consider for potential restoration. Hernandez, still presiding, then declared the motion to terminate the briefing carried; the record contains no delivered priority list, restoration amount, or appropriation decision.",
      "citations": []
    }
  ],
  "method_note": "Organized by presentation and representative, with related issues grouped within each section. Citations mark the start of questioning and the relevant answer or follow-up; use the timed transcript and official video for full context.",
  "sections": [
    {
      "key": "presentation",
      "label": "DTI presentation",
      "items": [
        {
          "label": "Mandate, export growth, and market-opening strategy",
          "text": "DTI's FY 2027 NEP allocation was PHP 10.55 billion including attached agencies and corporations, compared with its PHP 17 billion request to DBM. DTI Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque identified foreign trade and investment, consumer protection and fair trade, and MSME development as its core work. She cited 15.4% export growth in 2025 and sought an additional ₱100 million for international marketing and wider SME participation in trade shows. She described free-trade agreements and the ASEAN Digital Economic Framework Agreement as avenues for preferential market access and digital trade; five more trade agreements were awaiting conclusion in 2026 and DEFA was ready for signing.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000145",
              "start_seconds": 411.16,
              "clock": "00:06:51",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000145"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000164",
              "start_seconds": 449.759,
              "clock": "00:07:29",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000164"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000219",
              "start_seconds": 558.0,
              "clock": "00:09:18",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000219"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Investment approvals, facilitation, and eco-zones",
          "text": "Roque reported BOI approvals of ₱1.56 trillion in 2025 across 322 projects, projected to generate 40,175 jobs. For PEZA, she reported ₱260.89 billion in approved investments in 2025; for the first eight months of 2026, ₱216.46 billion across 196 new and expansion projects, 72.16% of the annual target, and 27,000 projected direct jobs. She linked the investment approach to trade attachés, CREATE MORE, the 2026 SIPP, Green Lanes, and eco-zone options beyond PEZA and BOI.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000242",
              "start_seconds": 605.72,
              "clock": "00:10:05",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000242"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000347",
              "start_seconds": 814.04,
              "clock": "00:13:34",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000347"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000386",
              "start_seconds": 893.759,
              "clock": "00:14:53",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000386"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Tatak Pinoy, local markets, and MSME market access",
          "text": "Roque identified Tatak Pinoy as DTI's first industrialization policy, aimed at raising local industries across nine key sectors for export and domestic markets. She described the local market of nearly 115 million Filipinos as an investment draw and said ₱2 billion had been set aside for the Women's Enterprise Fund. DTI reported 33 trade fairs in 2025, ₱1.09 billion in combined trade-show sales, and wider access for more than 3,500 MSMEs; it planned 38 local trade fairs in 2026, free to government-compliant participating MSMEs.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000428",
              "start_seconds": 1016.04,
              "clock": "00:16:56",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000428"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000471",
              "start_seconds": 1197.0,
              "clock": "00:19:57",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000471"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "MSME finance, youth enterprise, and production support",
          "text": "The presentation said SB Corporation loans could reach ₱5 million without collateral, with no principal or interest payments in the first year; ₱12 billion was available but more financing was needed. Roque named the Women's Enterprise Fund, Export Business Expansion Fund, MSME Business Fund, OFW Negosyo Fund, E-Transport Loan Program, Enterprise Rehabilitation Fund, and a new Youth Enterprise Fund with ₱1 billion set aside. She said MSMEs account for 99.5% of business establishments and 62% of the labor force. DTI also cited an AI and Scale-Up Center, a Butuan printing-and-packaging shared service facility, and 1,400 Negosyo Centers as support for product development, packaging, and marketing.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000493",
              "start_seconds": 1328.4,
              "clock": "00:22:08",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000493"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000563",
              "start_seconds": 1583.64,
              "clock": "00:26:23",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000563"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000574",
              "start_seconds": 1625.64,
              "clock": "00:27:05",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000574"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Consumer enforcement and product safety",
          "text": "For consumer protection and fair trade, Roque said DTI had inspected more than 14,000 establishments and monitored more than 5,000 firms to protect the price and supply of basic necessities and prime commodities. She said enforcement also needed to screen potentially hazardous products, including goods that can cause fires or property damage, and requested additional funding for that work.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000605",
              "start_seconds": 1725.399,
              "clock": "00:28:45",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000605"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000609",
              "start_seconds": 1737.44,
              "clock": "00:28:57",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000609"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Recorded Tatak Pinoy promotion and priority industries",
          "text": "Roque requested a recorded Tatak Pinoy promotional video. Its narration and song presented Filipino-made products as used in overseas markets and repeated the 'built for the world' message; it is promotional material, not an attributed statistical performance report. After the video, Roque identified the priority industries as IT-BPM; food and agro-industry; cement and steel; semiconductors and electronics; automotive and EV; pharmaceuticals and clinical trials; defense; and chemicals.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000649",
              "start_seconds": 1845.32,
              "clock": "00:30:45",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000649"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000659-caption-07",
              "start_seconds": 1996.559,
              "clock": "00:33:16",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000659-caption-07"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "key": "budget-comparison",
      "label": "Budget proposal and requests",
      "items": [
        {
          "label": "DTI FY 2027 proposal and PHP 17 billion request",
          "text": "DTI's FY 2027 NEP allocation was PHP 10.55 billion including attached agencies and corporations, compared with its PHP 17 billion request to DBM. The allocation was PHP 1.36 billion below the FY 2026 GAA. DTI Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque confirmed the PHP 17 billion request when Rep. Presley C. De Jesus asked how much DTI had sought, then corrected his smaller allocation figure to about PHP 10 billion for the entire DTI. Rep. Roberto Nazal separately cited PHP 6.744 billion in the FY 2027 NEP for the Office of the Secretary, down from PHP 7.392 billion in FY 2026. Presiding Rep. Charisse Anne C. Hernandez used PHP 10.9 billion at closing; the hearing did not reconcile that figure with the opening PHP 10.55 billion.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000089",
              "start_seconds": 290.4,
              "clock": "00:04:50",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000089"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002742",
              "start_seconds": 8213.2,
              "clock": "02:16:53",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002742"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004642",
              "start_seconds": 14357.88,
              "clock": "03:59:17",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004642"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004651",
              "start_seconds": 14394.12,
              "clock": "03:59:54",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004651"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004653",
              "start_seconds": 14404.399,
              "clock": "04:00:04",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004653"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000093",
              "start_seconds": 297.48,
              "clock": "00:04:57",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000093"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004654",
              "start_seconds": 14408.56,
              "clock": "04:00:08",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004654"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006374",
              "start_seconds": 20405.558,
              "clock": "05:40:05",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006374"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004660",
              "start_seconds": 14422.08,
              "clock": "04:00:22",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004660"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004662",
              "start_seconds": 14427.319,
              "clock": "04:00:27",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004662"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "DTI funding proposals for trade and consumer protection",
          "text": "DTI Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque proposed an additional PHP 100 million for international marketing and SME trade-show participation, and sought more money for product safety and standards enforcement. In Rep. Mauricio G. Domogan's exchange, a DTI assistant secretary said PHP 150 million for standards work would be appreciated, after correcting an earlier PHP 90 million figure. Roque later described a PHP 250 million trade-show request against PHP 80 million then available. These were funding requests, with no approved increases recorded.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000219",
              "start_seconds": 558.0,
              "clock": "00:09:18",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000219"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000626",
              "start_seconds": 1779.64,
              "clock": "00:29:39",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000626"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002656",
              "start_seconds": 7976.48,
              "clock": "02:12:56",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002656"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004511",
              "start_seconds": 13985.701,
              "clock": "03:53:05",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004511"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Regional, industry and cooperative funding requests",
          "text": "Rep. Percival \"Perci\" Cendaña asked DTI for RACE budget details after describing a vetoed 2026 item; DTI said it was pursuing DBM funding. Rep. Ma. Isabel L. Sagarbarria sought more for Negros Island Region and Negosyo Serbisyo, while Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula called for a larger halal budget. CDA Chairperson Alexander B. Raquepo requested about PHP 150 million for small-cooperative assistance, supported by Rep. Felimon M. Espares. Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez pressed for a Cagayan de Oro investment center and local livelihood funding; Rep. Presley C. De Jesus cited an APECO request of PHP 2 billion against a PHP 67 million allocation. The hearing recorded no approval of these increases.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000877",
              "start_seconds": 2844.76,
              "clock": "00:47:24",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000877"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002104",
              "start_seconds": 6467.32,
              "clock": "01:47:47",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002104"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003753",
              "start_seconds": 11567.64,
              "clock": "03:12:47",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003753"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004302",
              "start_seconds": 13096.72,
              "clock": "03:38:16",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004302"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004425",
              "start_seconds": 13604.258,
              "clock": "03:46:44",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004425"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004670",
              "start_seconds": 14459.72,
              "clock": "04:00:59",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004670"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "DTI restoration priorities and SB Corporation finance",
          "text": "DTI Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque asked for more funding across DTI's core mandates. In response to Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez, she specified an additional PHP 5 billion for SB Corporation and cited PHP 150 million for trade or fair-trade work. Rodriguez argued that the full PHP 1 billion Office of the Secretary reduction should be restored, beyond a smaller PHP 300 million discussed, and asked DTI to submit an itemized priority list. Roque agreed to submit priorities; the hearing records no final restored amount or committee vote.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004218",
              "start_seconds": 12687.16,
              "clock": "03:31:27",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004218"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004454",
              "start_seconds": 13744.789,
              "clock": "03:49:04",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004454"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004468",
              "start_seconds": 13793.147,
              "clock": "03:49:53",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004468"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004482",
              "start_seconds": 13836.531,
              "clock": "03:50:36",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004482"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004524",
              "start_seconds": 14020.956,
              "clock": "03:53:40",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004524"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Creative industries and committee amendment follow-up",
          "text": "Rep. Javier Miguel Lopez Benitez pressed the creative-industries case after noting zero FY 2027 NEP funding for Malikhaing Pinoy; DTI Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque hoped to seek a larger budget but specified no restored amount. Rep. Charisse Anne C. Hernandez, presiding, said the committee would take the budget concerns into its deliberations. Committee Chair Rep. Mikaela Angela B. Suansing later asked DTI to identify programs most important to restore after a PHP 1.36 billion reduction and submit them promptly for Budget Amendments Review Subcommittee consideration. No submitted list, approved amendment or restoration is recorded.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005791",
              "start_seconds": 18537.12,
              "clock": "05:08:57",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005791"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005803",
              "start_seconds": 18565.12,
              "clock": "05:09:25",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005803"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006393",
              "start_seconds": 20443.878,
              "clock": "05:40:43",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006393"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006470",
              "start_seconds": 23003.558,
              "clock": "06:23:23",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006470"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006496",
              "start_seconds": 23051.08,
              "clock": "06:24:11",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006496"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "key": "cendana",
      "label": "Rep. Percival \"Perci\" Cendaña",
      "items": [
        {
          "label": "Pax Silica's terms, New Clark City scope, and prospective sites",
          "text": "Cendaña asked DTI to disclose the Pax Silica fine print and clarify what would be built. DTI Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque referred the detail to DTI Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo. Rodolfo said signed documents exchanged with the United States had been posted on the BOI website since April 25, and described Pax Silica as a non-binding declaration joined by 23 other countries and one economy to secure the AI-technology supply chain. He distinguished the partnership from the Philippines project at New Clark City, which he said would focus on advanced manufacturing, including equipment for data centers rather than data centers themselves. He acknowledged that advanced manufacturing still needs power and water, and said a New Clark City developer would have to build roads, bring power, and secure and reuse its own water. Cendaña said the answer did not allay concerns because there could be multiple sites, and requested the prospective sites for other Pax Silica projects.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000698",
              "start_seconds": 2125.839,
              "clock": "00:35:25",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000698"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000706",
              "start_seconds": 2147.28,
              "clock": "00:35:47",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000706"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000801",
              "start_seconds": 2568.44,
              "clock": "00:42:48",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000801"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Community consultation, water use, and reported displacement around New Clark City",
          "text": "Cendaña said a developer's obligation to bring its own water and electricity would still draw on a finite local water table, then asked whether communities had been consulted and raised the need for free, prior and informed consent. Rodolfo said that, according to BCDA's public statement, consultations for the New Clark City project were ongoing; he described the 1,620-hectare project as new and still under discussion within an existing master-planned industrial zone. Cendaña said this appeared to mean there had been no consultation before the agreement, but DTI did not expressly confirm that inference. He requested the status of the consultations, cited reported displacement of Indigenous people from ancestral land, and noted House Resolution 1227 seeking an investigation of implementation on the ground.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000809",
              "start_seconds": 2600.68,
              "clock": "00:43:20",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000809"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000811",
              "start_seconds": 2609.92,
              "clock": "00:43:29",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000811"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000831",
              "start_seconds": 2666.559,
              "clock": "00:44:26",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000831"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "DEFA text disclosure before a planned November signing",
          "text": "Cendaña said concerned sectors, including the labor center SENTRO, wanted the negotiated DEFA texts released to Congress and the public before the agreement's planned November signing so their implications could be reviewed. Secretary Roque said DTI would make the information available to everyone, including the agreement's advantages and what businesses or industries could gain, and promised complete and comprehensive DEFA information. Her response committed to disclosure but did not separately state a release date before signing.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000849",
              "start_seconds": 2699.4,
              "clock": "00:44:59",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000849"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000854",
              "start_seconds": 2724.359,
              "clock": "00:45:24",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000854"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "RACE funding and coordination with electric-vehicle incentives",
          "text": "Cendaña asked about restoring and funding the RACE program after he said its 2026 budget item had been vetoed, then requested DTI's proposed RACE budget and asked whether RACE, the DOE's EVIS program, and other automotive programs could be consolidated to avoid silos and duplication. Secretary Roque said RACE would continue because combustion vehicles were still produced in the Philippines; DTI was completing final program details and seeking DBM funding. On the EV side, she said DTI would coordinate closely and described incentives for firms manufacturing hybrid or pure electric vehicles, promising complete information on both RACE and EV programs.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000865",
              "start_seconds": 2781.24,
              "clock": "00:46:21",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000865"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000870",
              "start_seconds": 2808.319,
              "clock": "00:46:48",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000870"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000877",
              "start_seconds": 2844.76,
              "clock": "00:47:24",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000877"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000885-caption-01",
              "start_seconds": 2880.04,
              "clock": "00:48:00",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000885-caption-01"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Automotive-policy roadmap and the transition to electric vehicles",
          "text": "Cendaña asked whether DTI had an industrial policy that could serve as an automotive and electric-vehicle roadmap, and asked that it be submitted to the committee. Rodolfo said policy was to make electric vehicles the sector's main technology while making the transition without abandoning metalworking workers and firms. Secretary Roque agreed to submit the policy; she described the shift from the CARS program to RACE for combustion-vehicle manufacturing and said incentives also support hybrid and fully electric vehicles to encourage investment.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000887",
              "start_seconds": 2908.839,
              "clock": "00:48:28",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000887"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000893",
              "start_seconds": 2941.96,
              "clock": "00:49:01",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000893"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000905",
              "start_seconds": 2979.799,
              "clock": "00:49:39",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000905"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "DHL partnership and union-busting allegations",
          "text": "Cendaña raised allegations that DHL engaged in union busting involving workers at its Sucat warehouse and questioned DTI's partnership with DHL in MSME support and logistics collaboration. He asked DTI to urgently review its partnership with DHL Philippines in light of workers' concerns. Secretary Roque said DTI's Supply Chain and Logistics Department engages DHL and other logistics firms to help businesses and exporters compare options and move products quickly and cheaply, including during calamities; she said DTI could work with DOLE on the labor concern. She did not expressly commit to a partnership review. Cendaña repeated his request that agreements with DHL be reviewed, and Rep. Charisse Anne C. Hernandez, presiding, reminded DTI to submit the documents requested.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000916",
              "start_seconds": 3015.319,
              "clock": "00:50:15",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000916"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000936",
              "start_seconds": 3089.88,
              "clock": "00:51:29",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000936"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000965",
              "start_seconds": 3199.2,
              "clock": "00:53:19",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000965"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "key": "oaminal",
      "label": "Rep. Sancho Fernando \"Ando\" F. Oaminal",
      "items": [
        {
          "label": "Vehicle-procurement signatories and BAC–HoPE roles",
          "text": "Oaminal said his office had received reports alleging irregularities and unlawful practices in DTI procurement and that, after reviewing documents sent to him, some claims appeared valid. He focused on vehicle procurement under bidding no. 24.057: the notice to proceed was signed by someone other than the identified then HoPE, named only as Asec. Uvero in the hearing, while the contract agreement was signed by the BAC chair, Christian Ablan. Oaminal then asked Ablan about his signatures on the BAC resolution and contract agreement. Secretary Roque deferred to Ablan. Ablan said the BAC chair does not sign a notice to proceed, which is for the HoPE; he said Uvero's transfer to the Bureau of Customs and a resulting change in HoPE might be relevant, and that DTI would check the procurement request and submit clarification to the committee. These remained Oaminal's oversight allegations and questions, not a committee finding of wrongdoing.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000969",
              "start_seconds": 3229.559,
              "clock": "00:53:49",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000969"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-000984",
              "start_seconds": 3334.4,
              "clock": "00:55:34",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-000984"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "RA 9184 allegation, document verification, and DTI's unresolved response",
          "text": "Oaminal quoted Section 11.2.5 of the 2016 Revised IRR of RA 9184, which he said bars the HoPE or approving authority from serving as BAC chair or member. He asked whether, if the contract was authentic, the arrangement violated that rule and whether the agency would confirm a procurement-law violation. Ablan agreed that Oaminal's statement of the rule was correct, but did not concede a violation: he said he needed to check his records, including who was HoPE for the February 5, 2025 contract. In his final response, Ablan said he had signed as head of the administrative service and needed to determine whether he was acting in that capacity or as HoPE; he said the contract described him as assistant secretary for the Management Services Group rather than HoPE, assured the committee there were no irregularities, and promised to clarify the matter with Oaminal. Rep. Charisse Anne C. Hernandez, presiding, allowed that final response because the timer had stuck and suggested a sidebar, calling it a valid concern to raise—not resolving the allegation. Oaminal reserved a second-round interpellation, saying he hoped the matter and the documents' status would be clarified.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-001045",
              "start_seconds": 3559.839,
              "clock": "00:59:19",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-001045"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-001049",
              "start_seconds": 3582.839,
              "clock": "00:59:42",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-001049"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-001097",
              "start_seconds": 3808.0,
              "clock": "01:03:28",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-001097"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "key": "montes",
      "label": "Rep. Iris Marie Demesa Montes",
      "items": [
        {
          "label": "Trade deficit, export diversification, and market access",
          "text": "Montes asked what 2027 DTI allocations directly addressed the continuing trade deficit, including export diversification, import substitution, and industry modernization. Secretary Roque described export promotion, domestic market access, foreign trade attachés in 21 countries, trade shows, prospective free-trade-agreement and preferential-tariff access, and investment expansion. She gave the Hong Kong Cosmoprof participation as an example, saying an ₱8 million investment focused on coconut-based products generated ₱150 million. She also cited free DTI trade-show participation and work on halal certification. The response described strategies but did not provide the specific 2027 allocation figures Montes requested.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-001123",
              "start_seconds": 3891.0,
              "clock": "01:04:51",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-001123"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-001131",
              "start_seconds": 3931.24,
              "clock": "01:05:31",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-001131"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Local industrial capacity and interagency support",
          "text": "Montes followed by asking how the 2027 budget would help domestic industry compete and reduce import dependence, and whether DTI coordinated with other agencies so public funds could be used better. Roque said DTI used a whole-of-government approach: DTI focused on trade and finding markets, TESDA on training, and DOST on related support. She cited a still-to-be-concluded ADB project, Ascend, for training in industries with global potential—semiconductors, aviation, minerals, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy. The answer described the division of work and priority sectors, rather than identifying a discrete import-substitution allocation.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-001203",
              "start_seconds": 4177.239,
              "clock": "01:09:37",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-001203"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-001212",
              "start_seconds": 4220.199,
              "clock": "01:10:20",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-001212"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "SB Corporation loan performance and funding pressure",
          "text": "Montes asked for SB Corporation's latest performance—loan releases, repayment rates, and MSME reach. Roque instead described changes to the lending offer: product-specific loans, up to ₱5 million without collateral, a one-year holiday from principal and interest payments, three- or five-year terms, and a stated seven-to-ten-day processing time instead of months. She said demand had produced a backlog and that SB Corp needed more funds to accommodate MSMEs, particularly in light of the Middle East crisis; she also described simplified documentary requirements and targeted loan programs for sari-sari stores, OFWs, women-owned businesses, MSMEs, and e-transport. No releases, repayment-rate, or reach figures were given in this exchange.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-001234",
              "start_seconds": 4306.32,
              "clock": "01:11:46",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-001234"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-001237",
              "start_seconds": 4324.56,
              "clock": "01:12:04",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-001237"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Women Enterprise Fund results, rural access, and product development",
          "text": "Montes asked about the Women Enterprise Fund's beneficiaries and then pressed DTI on whether rural women, including those in geographically disadvantaged areas, could obtain credit rather than only women near cities or SB Corp. Roque said the fund was launched in March 2026, confirmed its ₱30,000-to-₱20 million loan range, and said 274 applicants had been approved and ₱56 million disbursed. She said DTI planned a women entrepreneurs' trade show and could connect export-ready firms with the Export Marketing Bureau. On access, she said women could seek help from 18 regional offices and 1,400 Negosyo Centers, or apply online through SB Corp; she did not describe a separate monitoring mechanism for geographic balance. She also said existing businesses could borrow for product development and access market or export support, and confirmed that organizations and cooperatives could use the specific loans.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-001297",
              "start_seconds": 4507.159,
              "clock": "01:15:07",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-001297"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-001308",
              "start_seconds": 4529.159,
              "clock": "01:15:29",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-001308"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-001314",
              "start_seconds": 4542.08,
              "clock": "01:15:42",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-001314"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-001348",
              "start_seconds": 4612.92,
              "clock": "01:16:52",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-001348"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-001367",
              "start_seconds": 4649.76,
              "clock": "01:17:29",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-001367"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-001392",
              "start_seconds": 4700.28,
              "clock": "01:18:20",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-001392"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-001398",
              "start_seconds": 4710.159,
              "clock": "01:18:30",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-001398"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "key": "garcia",
      "label": "Rep. Albert S. Garcia",
      "items": [
        {
          "label": "Bottom-up planning and unfunded local DTI projects",
          "text": "Garcia said that, after a bottom-up planning process involving local planning and development bodies, DTI regional and provincial offices, and field personnel, locally requested projects were absent from the National Expenditure Program. He asked why the requests had not been considered and later identified an innovation hub and a shared services facility as the two projects he wanted reconsidered. Secretary Roque said DTI was still seeking more funding, especially for strategic projects, and argued that the department's regional offices, Negosyo Centers, market access work, and SB Corporation lending were targeted to micro, small, and medium enterprises. She did not give a project-specific explanation for the two omissions or approve them during the exchange.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-001441",
              "start_seconds": 4796.6,
              "clock": "01:19:56",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-001441"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-001473-split-2",
              "start_seconds": 4867.199,
              "clock": "01:21:07",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-001473-split-2"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "CREATE MORE, investment outcomes, and requested documentation",
          "text": "Garcia questioned whether the CREATE MORE framework had delivered stronger foreign direct investment, noting that investment-promotion agencies had opposed it when it was enacted and asking whether the country now had more FDI. The source-reviewed exchange identifies Secretary Roque—not Garcia—as the respondent who cited a 20% figure and said the economic-zone authority was up 94.4% from January to June, then described investor expansions, additional eco-zones, and annual updates to the SIPP as part of DTI's investment strategy. Garcia asked DTI to provide documents on investments and specific sunk investments for his review; Roque agreed to do so. The requested documents and the underlying measures were not produced within this round.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-001613",
              "start_seconds": 5144.6,
              "clock": "01:25:44",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-001613"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-001627",
              "start_seconds": 5178.249,
              "clock": "01:26:18",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-001627"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-001665-split-2",
              "start_seconds": 5255.6,
              "clock": "01:27:35",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-001665-split-2"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "E-transport loans and Bataan's new-energy-vehicle proposal",
          "text": "Garcia presented Bataan examples of fully electric transportation-network vehicles and a solar-and-battery charging setup, then described an electric PUJ/PUV proof of concept that he hoped could help address public-utility-vehicle modernization. He asked SB Corporation to help finance and facilitate wider replication, including future electric tricycles, buses, and a Bataan-Manila ferry, and urged DTI to keep Bataan in mind for new-energy-vehicle investment. Roque said SB Corporation's e-transport loan had launched in April 2026, with 18 approved applications and ₱47 million released; she said it was intended to help small rather than large operators shift from combustion vehicles to EVs, but that funding was limited. She said DTI would act on Garcia's request, work closely with him on it, and offer available incentives to investors in provinces. No financing approval or investment designation was made in the round.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-001669",
              "start_seconds": 5263.085,
              "clock": "01:27:43",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-001669"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-001709",
              "start_seconds": 5341.667,
              "clock": "01:29:01",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-001709"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-001830",
              "start_seconds": 5584.52,
              "clock": "01:33:04",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-001830"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "key": "co",
      "label": "Rep. Renee Louise M. Co",
      "items": [
        {
          "label": "CARS, RACE, and support for Philippine vehicle manufacturers",
          "text": "Co asked whether CARS subsidies had reached genuinely local vehicle manufacturers rather than only parts suppliers or assemblers for Toyota and Mitsubishi, and asked specifically about Francisco Motors, which she said had moved its manufacturing overseas. DTI said CARS had only two slots, Toyota and Mitsubishi, and that CARS payments had been made; RACE was still being finalized and would open to more players. Secretary Roque said Francisco Motors had not applied to RACE but had expressed interest in the EV incentive program. Co argued that local manufacturers could be disadvantaged by high program requirements and asked how the government would ensure they benefit. Roque committed to contact Francisco Motors, discuss incentives that could support a Philippine manufacturing plant, and coordinate with other local manufacturers; she said DTI was already meeting industries to identify needs.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-001841",
              "start_seconds": 5608.48,
              "clock": "01:33:28",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-001841"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-001865",
              "start_seconds": 5657.719,
              "clock": "01:34:17",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-001865"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-001991",
              "start_seconds": 5911.52,
              "clock": "01:38:31",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-001991"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "EVIS capitalization threshold and local-manufacturer participation",
          "text": "Co said the EVIS executive order appeared to repeat RACE-style barriers and cited its ₱5 billion minimum-capital requirement, asking whether local manufacturers could meet it. Rodolfo confirmed a minimum capitalization requirement but said Francisco Motors was discussing a foreign partner and that DTI was working with local manufacturers. He supplied examples of Filipino parts makers in the CARS supply chain, while Co reiterated that this did not answer how domestically based vehicle manufacturers themselves would be supported. Roque said local firms could participate as partners or suppliers to larger companies, and referred to ongoing industry consultations. Co closed by asking for a committee copy of the data supplied and warning that the policy did not yet translate a move away from car-centric development into support for local manufacturers or mass-transport needs.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002023",
              "start_seconds": 6054.32,
              "clock": "01:40:54",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002023"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002029",
              "start_seconds": 6096.08,
              "clock": "01:41:36",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002029"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002048",
              "start_seconds": 6202.4,
              "clock": "01:43:22",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002048"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "key": "sagarbarria",
      "label": "Rep. Ma. Isabel L. Sagarbarria",
      "items": [
        {
          "label": "NIR regional budget and Negosyo Serbisyo request",
          "text": "Sagarbarria said CPBRD budget-agency notes showed the newly created Negros Island Region (NIR) receiving only ₱66 million in FY 2027, compared with ₱229 million for Region VI, ₱202 million for Region VII, and ₱233 million for Region VIII. She asked that NIR receive more funding. Secretary Roque said DTI had sought a larger NIR budget but had not obtained it, and suggested requesting House support to add funds so the region could undertake more projects. She said DTI could discuss the matter with the regional operations undersecretary and hoped for more funds; she also cited wider DTI funding requests for investment promotion, MSME strengthening, and SB Corporation loans. Sagarbarria separately requested an increase in the Negosyo Serbisyo program. Roque answered affirmatively but did not state an amount, a budget addition, or an implementation commitment. The exchange did not set a revised NIR allocation.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002100",
              "start_seconds": 6448.599,
              "clock": "01:47:28",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002100"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002114-split-2",
              "start_seconds": 6512.639,
              "clock": "01:48:32",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002114-split-2"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002138",
              "start_seconds": 6589.96,
              "clock": "01:49:49",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002138"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002140",
              "start_seconds": 6593.32,
              "clock": "01:49:53",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002140"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "key": "elago",
      "label": "Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago",
      "items": [
        {
          "label": "Price stabilization, retail monitoring, and penalties",
          "text": "Elago asked what DTI had done to stabilize basic-necessity and prime-commodity prices amid successive calamities. Secretary Roque said DTI-controlled items had had no price increase in the prior year and through May despite the Middle East crisis, attributing this to coordination with manufacturers and retailers, daily nationwide monitoring through 18 regional offices, and a focus on supermarkets and groceries. When Elago asked about violators and whether public markets were covered, Roque said DTI enforces against noncompliance but referred wet markets to DA. At Elago's request, a price-monitoring official said the agency prioritizes major nearby supermarket and grocery chains, generally sees compliance with the suggested-retail-price bulletin, and issues a letter of inquiry when a price is slightly above the SRP. Elago asked DTI to submit its PEDA penalty and fine policy and pressed for transparent accountability mechanisms; the exchange did not state particular penalties imposed or a submitted report.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002164",
              "start_seconds": 6660.119,
              "clock": "01:51:00",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002164"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002172",
              "start_seconds": 6682.76,
              "clock": "01:51:22",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002172"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002231",
              "start_seconds": 6882.639,
              "clock": "01:54:42",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002231"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "VAT questions, garment competitiveness, and DTI's controlled-price list",
          "text": "Elago said DTI had announced in January 2026 that it was studying a possible VAT reduction for locally made garments, whose manufacturers and exporters faced rising costs and tougher global competition. She asked for the study's result and any recommendation to DOF. Roque said her team was not aware of it, would check and provide information, and was instead discussing a different issue with the garment-export industry that belonged to another department. Elago then asked whether DTI had a comparable study concerning basic necessities and prime commodities. Roque said DTI's role was close coordination to keep prices stable for the 204 SKUs on its list, which she said was available on DTI's website and social-media accounts; she did not announce a VAT recommendation or a broader price study.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002261",
              "start_seconds": 6977.96,
              "clock": "01:56:17",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002261"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002269",
              "start_seconds": 7006.88,
              "clock": "01:56:46",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002269"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002287",
              "start_seconds": 7079.36,
              "clock": "01:57:59",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002287"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002288",
              "start_seconds": 7083.32,
              "clock": "01:58:03",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002288"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Food-poverty threshold and VAT relief for basic needs",
          "text": "Elago cited a ₱78 per-person food/subsistence threshold and asked whether that sum could realistically meet one person's daily basic nutritional needs at current prices. Roque said she was not aware of the figure's basis and would coordinate with Secretary Balisacan and take a whole-of-government approach before giving correct information. Elago said the amount was not realistic amid high prices and urged serious consideration of reducing VAT specifically for basic necessities rather than all products and services. The exchange produced a coordination commitment, not a conclusion on the threshold or a VAT measure.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002296",
              "start_seconds": 7124.92,
              "clock": "01:58:44",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002296"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002308",
              "start_seconds": 7177.84,
              "clock": "01:59:37",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002308"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Public markets, handicraft access, and food-logistics responsibility",
          "text": "Elago asked whether DTI had a nationwide framework for developing and revitalizing public markets, arguing that these markets also sell handicrafts and small-business products and that policy should not rest entirely on LGUs. Roque referred public-market development to DA but said she would flag Elago's concern. Elago also asked what had become of DTI's three-year food-logistics agenda, described as a 2022 directive that should be ending in 2026. Roque said food logistics was now with DA, while DTI could direct handicraft sellers to regional offices for nationwide market-access opportunities and loans. Elago thanked DTI for gathering public-market concerns in NCR and asked that the work continue elsewhere, warning that markets serving farmers and fishers were being lost; no timetable or DTI public-market framework was provided.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002332",
              "start_seconds": 7227.239,
              "clock": "02:00:27",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002332"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002341",
              "start_seconds": 7245.28,
              "clock": "02:00:45",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002341"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002365",
              "start_seconds": 7293.04,
              "clock": "02:01:33",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002365"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002374",
              "start_seconds": 7313.88,
              "clock": "02:01:53",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002374"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Program cuts and Film Academy funding request",
          "text": "Elago asked for an explanation of cuts to the industry-development and consumer-protection programs and sought a breakdown of the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) request, stressing its importance to film workers and stakeholders. Because of time, Rep. Charisse Anne C. Hernandez, presiding, asked whether documents could be submitted; Elago agreed but requested a quick FAP response because this was its first budget proposal to Congress. Roque said DTI would use creative industries as a driver of trade and tourism, cited avenues for creatives, a creative-industry fund, and loans, but did not orally explain the cited program cuts. FAP Director General Jose Paolo Villaluna identified the eight-month-old agency and said its original proposal was ₱267 million, reduced to ₱104 million. Elago asked that the original proposal and detailed breakdown be submitted to the Committee on Appropriations, questioning how the new body could establish itself with such limited initial funding.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002426",
              "start_seconds": 7417.719,
              "clock": "02:03:37",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002426"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002457-split-2",
              "start_seconds": 7479.76,
              "clock": "02:04:39",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002457-split-2"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002491",
              "start_seconds": 7551.52,
              "clock": "02:05:51",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002491"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "key": "domogan",
      "label": "Rep. Mauricio G. Domogan",
      "items": [
        {
          "label": "Product standards enforcement and regional inspection capacity",
          "text": "Domogan asked why he could not identify a Bureau of Philippine Standards budget line despite concerns that substandard materials used in private and public infrastructure contribute to structural failures. He said Baguio appeared to lack adequate checking, including for steel and galvanized iron, and said public information alone was not enough: DTI should conduct field inspections, especially for consumers in the countryside. Secretary Roque said DTI had sought more funds and personnel to check products sold, imported, or manufactured in the Philippines, noting risks beyond steel, including products that can cause fires. She pointed to the PS mark as evidence that a product had passed DTI standards and said DTI had 18 regional offices, but repeatedly said staffing and the budget actually provided were insufficient. Domogan said he would support an added appropriation.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002528",
              "start_seconds": 7638.52,
              "clock": "02:07:18",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002528"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002566",
              "start_seconds": 7719.239,
              "clock": "02:08:39",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002566"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002591",
              "start_seconds": 7839.8,
              "clock": "02:10:39",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002591"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Standards-enforcement funding request and substandard-steel figures",
          "text": "When Domogan asked what amount was needed, the DTI assistant secretary addressed as Gino said the current request was ₱150 million, after referring to a prior request of ₱90 million largely for personnel and correcting himself during the answer. Asked whether DTI had caught manufacturers of substandard products, the official instead gave estimated retail values for substandard steel products caught or enforced against: ₱16.4 million for 2020, ₱24.8 million for 2025, and about ₱88.8 million as of June 2026. Domogan checked whether those were penalties paid; the official clarified they were estimated retail values, not penalties. Asked how many cases DTI had filed, the official promised to submit the details.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002647",
              "start_seconds": 7955.0,
              "clock": "02:12:35",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002647"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002656",
              "start_seconds": 7976.48,
              "clock": "02:12:56",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002656"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002676",
              "start_seconds": 8023.36,
              "clock": "02:13:43",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002676"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002713",
              "start_seconds": 8098.84,
              "clock": "02:14:58",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002713"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Consumer Act penalties and DTI's proposed strengthening bill",
          "text": "Domogan said the penalty provisions of Republic Act No. 7394 were too light relative to the harm caused by substandard products, citing fines of ₱5,000 to ₱10,000 and imprisonment from arresto mayor to prisión correccional, and asked whether the law should be amended to increase penalties. After Rep. Charisse Anne C. Hernandez, presiding, limited him to a last question, the assistant secretary said DTI was recommending a strengthening bill. He identified two proposed changes: visitorial powers for DTI to enter facilities and authority for the department secretary to increase penalties as necessary. Hernandez separately requested the basis for the ₱150 million amount and its specific budget line item before calling the next member; no oral response to that line-item request appears inside this round.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002714",
              "start_seconds": 8102.0,
              "clock": "02:15:02",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002714"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002725",
              "start_seconds": 8157.76,
              "clock": "02:15:57",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002725"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002730",
              "start_seconds": 8187.52,
              "clock": "02:16:27",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002730"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "key": "nazal",
      "label": "Rep. Roberto Nazal",
      "items": [
        {
          "label": "2027 DTI strategy, OSEC budget framing, and expected results",
          "text": "Nazal framed his question with the DTI OSEC budget falling from PHP 7.392 billion in 2026 to PHP 6.744 billion in the 2027 NEP. He said MSME development rose within the smaller budget while other project and productive spending was reduced, then asked for DTI's principal strategy and measurable results in businesses, jobs, investments, and exports. Secretary Roque named three priorities: foreign trade and international investment, consumer protection and fair trade, and MSME development. She said DTI needed promotion funds for ecozones, CREATE MORE incentives, and free-trade agreements; she also said exports reached an all-time high in 2025, up 15.4%, and that June 2026 exports rose 24.1%. The response stated priorities and past performance, but did not give the requested 2027 measurable output targets.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002742",
              "start_seconds": 8213.2,
              "clock": "02:16:53",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002742"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002751",
              "start_seconds": 8264.04,
              "clock": "02:17:44",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002751"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "MSME finance and market-access programs",
          "text": "Nazal asked for DTI's main MSME programs. Roque identified market access and finance, saying SB Corporation funding was insufficient amid the Middle East crisis; she described loans up to PHP 5 million without collateral, a one-year holiday from principal and interest payments, and targeted products including OFW Negosyo, Women Enterprise, and Youth Enterprise funds. On market access, she cited free domestic and global trade shows, one to two NCR shows monthly, buyer matching with cafes, hotels, groceries, and supermarkets, and outreach to larger buyers such as Jollibee. The exchange did not give a quantified MSME funding increase or program targets.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002797",
              "start_seconds": 8425.56,
              "clock": "02:20:25",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002797"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002799",
              "start_seconds": 8433.84,
              "clock": "02:20:33",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002799"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002831",
              "start_seconds": 8540.8,
              "clock": "02:22:20",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002831"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002834",
              "start_seconds": 8546.96,
              "clock": "02:22:26",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002834"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Retailer fees, shelf practices, and DTI follow-up",
          "text": "Nazal said local retailers could make MSME market entry prohibitive through listing and other fees and through requiring MSMEs to pay merchandisers. He also described allegations that some retailers could imitate successful MSME products, steer customers to retailer brands, or reduce their display availability, and asked for policy protection against predatory practices. Roque said SM had lower MSME rates and dedicated mall space, and said DTI could again talk with establishments about the fees and check the Watsons example. She acknowledged the practices were possible and advised MSMEs not to rely on one market, including by using e-commerce and supplier arrangements. The exchange did not establish a violation, a retailer-specific finding, or an enforcement action.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002861",
              "start_seconds": 8611.0,
              "clock": "02:23:31",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002861"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002864",
              "start_seconds": 8642.0,
              "clock": "02:24:02",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002864"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002887",
              "start_seconds": 8781.6,
              "clock": "02:26:21",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002887"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002890",
              "start_seconds": 8814.359,
              "clock": "02:26:54",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002890"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "P3 accounting, disbursement definition, and borrowing-cost follow-up",
          "text": "Before the proposed additional PHP 840.17 million for P3 in 2027, Nazal requested a consolidated accounting of all government funds entrusted to SB Corporation since the program began. With SB Corp's president absent, an SB Corp respondent said the corporation had received about PHP 10 billion through annual GAA allocations since 2017, including PHP 1 billion for 2026; loan releases had probably reached PHP 30 billion as collections were made through the years; and the P3 portfolio was roughly PHP 10 billion and had helped more than 500,000 beneficiaries through direct retail and wholesale lending. Nazal requested a borrower-and-release list, which the respondent said it would provide. He then questioned SB Corp's reported full June 30, 2026 P3 obligation and disbursement against his cited physical-accomplishment figure of about 19,373 beneficiaries versus a 40,000 annual target. The respondent defined disbursement as loans released through direct retail borrowers or wholesale conduits, with the portfolio roughly 55% direct retail and 45% wholesale. Nazal also questioned an all-in ceiling of up to 2.5% monthly, or about 30% annually, and asked for the actual weighted effective borrower rate and conduit charges. Secretary Roque said DTI would meet with the board, present the issues to Nazal, and consider changes if needed; she did not commit to a specific rate reduction or provide the requested weighted rate and conduit-charge details in the exchange.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002909",
              "start_seconds": 8889.04,
              "clock": "02:28:09",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002909"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002916",
              "start_seconds": 8919.76,
              "clock": "02:28:39",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002916"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002938",
              "start_seconds": 9005.24,
              "clock": "02:30:05",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002938"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002945",
              "start_seconds": 9052.52,
              "clock": "02:30:52",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002945"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002953",
              "start_seconds": 9105.16,
              "clock": "02:31:45",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002953"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002969",
              "start_seconds": 9171.0,
              "clock": "02:32:51",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002969"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "key": "arroyo",
      "label": "Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo",
      "items": [
        {
          "label": "Bamboo legislation, agency tracking, and procurement market access",
          "text": "Arroyo recalled the prior discussion of bamboo development and said several legislators had filed a bill to transfer it from DTI to DA, asking whether DTI was tracking pending legislation affecting its remit. Secretary Roque said she was not aware of the bill; Arroyo said DTI's legislative liaison should keep track of such measures. Roque said DTI's role was to provide market access for finished bamboo products and referred to trade shows, while saying the bill remained pending. Arroyo then pressed for the specific large government-procurement market rather than a general market-access answer, asking whether the relevant procurement requirement for bamboo was being complied with. Roque said she would have to check with the official controlling the budget and would speak with that office again; the exchange did not establish compliance or provide a procurement figure.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002984",
              "start_seconds": 9223.52,
              "clock": "02:33:43",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002984"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-002997",
              "start_seconds": 9292.72,
              "clock": "02:34:52",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-002997"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003059",
              "start_seconds": 9508.0,
              "clock": "02:38:28",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003059"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003065",
              "start_seconds": 9563.96,
              "clock": "02:39:23",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003065"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Halal certification, export-market response, and single-certifier legislation",
          "text": "Arroyo said buyers in Muslim countries were confused by the Philippines' multiple halal certifying bodies, logos, and standards, unlike neighboring countries with one certifier, and asked how the government-wide response to business concerns worked. Roque acknowledged a past certification problem and said DTI had advised exporters to work with certifying bodies recognized in destination markets, citing Malaysia; she said some companies had done so and promised to provide a list. Arroyo pressed for evidence of actual market results, asking whether Malaysia and Pakistan were buying more and by how much, and said repeated halal missions would not cure the basic certification issue. She also said a committee-level measure for one certifying body or council, with DTI as its proposed head, had been approved in principle. Roque initially called it a proposal, then said it was not yet approved and would get back to Arroyo. No export-growth figures or legislative timetable were supplied in the exchange.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003003",
              "start_seconds": 9311.56,
              "clock": "02:35:11",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003003"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003022",
              "start_seconds": 9392.56,
              "clock": "02:36:32",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003022"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003073",
              "start_seconds": 9642.319,
              "clock": "02:40:42",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003073"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003081",
              "start_seconds": 9728.84,
              "clock": "02:42:08",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003081"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "key": "antonio-tinio",
      "label": "Rep. Antonio L. Tinio",
      "items": [
        {
          "label": "Pax Silica scope, data centers, and project disclosure",
          "text": "Tinio asked whether New Clark City was only one of several economic or export-processing zones that Pax Silica could cover, and whether data centers might be among projects outside Clark. Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said New Clark City was one project and that other sites need not be export zones; he said there would be no data center in Clark but that one was possible elsewhere. Tinio said this left concerns about electricity, water, and environmental effects. Rodolfo said DTI was taking inputs from everyone. Tinio also asked about a possible integrated-circuit design hub; Rodolfo located it only in an unnamed NCR city. He later requested all information and documents on the projects beyond New Clark City, and Rodolfo agreed to provide them.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003097",
              "start_seconds": 9797.16,
              "clock": "02:43:17",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003097"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003127",
              "start_seconds": 9886.04,
              "clock": "02:44:46",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003127"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003434-split-2",
              "start_seconds": 10509.319,
              "clock": "02:55:09",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003434-split-2"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "U.S. leadership and defense implications raised by Tinio",
          "text": "Tinio asked about the possible role of Israel and identified U.S. Under Secretary of State Jacob Helberg as the U.S.-side leader of the Pax Silica initiative. Rodolfo confirmed that Helberg led on the U.S. side, but said he could not say whether Helberg had conceived the initiative. Rodolfo described a DTI mission that included Israel, Turkey, and the UAE, saying discussions in Israel concerned water technology and how a water-deficit country had addressed that challenge. Tinio then raised claims about Helberg's prior Palantir role and argued that Pax Silica was tied to U.S. and Israeli defense supply chains; he asked whether the Philippines would produce semiconductors for those purposes. Rodolfo did not adopt those characterizations, replying only that DTI's discussions concerned AI technology in general.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003202",
              "start_seconds": 10037.359,
              "clock": "02:47:17",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003202"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003209",
              "start_seconds": 10050.6,
              "clock": "02:47:30",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003209"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003323",
              "start_seconds": 10288.56,
              "clock": "02:51:28",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003323"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Economic-security-zone claims, water, and Philippine legal authority",
          "text": "Tinio cited U.S. State Department and embassy announcements that he said used the terms economic security zone and joint governance, then asked whether those concepts could entail special treatment for personnel, data centers, power facilities, water use, or environmental requirements. He also asked how a project could be told to bring its own water and power, including whether a modular nuclear plant could be built. Rodolfo corrected the water formulation: the instruction was to secure and reuse water, not bring it from elsewhere. He said the Philippine position was that the project was an economic zone, that the United States accepted that description, and that the framework posted by the BOI was based on the Export Development Act of 1995 and the BCDA law. The exchange did not resolve Tinio's questions about joint governance, immunity, energy facilities, or environmental approvals.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003329",
              "start_seconds": 10300.08,
              "clock": "02:51:40",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003329"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003398",
              "start_seconds": 10435.76,
              "clock": "02:53:55",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003398"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Pax Silica governance, New Clark City utilities, and environmental safeguards",
          "text": "In his second, separate round, Tinio returned to Pax Silica and asked whether Philippine law would govern rather than any joint governance, how a 1,600/1,620-hectare New Clark City area would be developed and supplied, and where other data-center or Pax Silica-related projects might be located. Undersecretary Rodolfo said Philippine law, including the BCDA law and Export Development Act, would govern registrations and terms; he said the BCDA-United States-side commercial contract was still under discussion. For the New Clark City site, he described a prospective developer providing power, roads, and water, with possible LNG import and regasification in Subic, a pipeline, and gas plant; he said outside sales would need permits under DOE/ERC rules. He described surface-water impounding and a Subic desalination facility piped to Clark, and said projects would require environmental compliance, ECCs, and water-treatment facilities. Rodolfo said site discussions were internal Philippine discussions focused on mining/mineral processing, digital infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing; DICT's AI infrastructure roadmap identified possible data-center locations with water and power, while the Oton investor had not coordinated with BOI. Tinio requested a separate, specific departmental briefing; Rep. Charisse Anne C. Hernandez, presiding, agreed that further discussion was needed. The exchange did not establish a signed New Clark City contract, final utility design, or future briefing date.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006081",
              "start_seconds": 19162.08,
              "clock": "05:19:22",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006081"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006088",
              "start_seconds": 19200.878,
              "clock": "05:20:00",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006088"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006116",
              "start_seconds": 19333.558,
              "clock": "05:22:13",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006116"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006163",
              "start_seconds": 19544.36,
              "clock": "05:25:44",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006163"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "CARS incentive arrears and proposed use of DPWH savings",
          "text": "Tinio questioned DTI's statement that it would obtain money from DBM for CARS incentives after an appropriation had moved to unprogrammed funds and been vetoed. Secretary Roque confirmed the CARS matter involved incentives for Toyota and Mitsubishi and referred the funding explanation to Undersecretary Rodolfo. Rodolfo described total arrears of PHP 5.156 billion to Toyota, Mitsubishi, and named program participants/local parts suppliers, said they had delivered their commitments, and initially referred to about PHP 5.1 billion in DPWH savings from 2020-2025 plus a small CARS implementation item in the GAA. He then corrected the savings amount to PHP 4.081 billion for payment to Toyota, Mitsubishi, and others. Tinio said he would also ask DBM and DPWH about the matter. The exchange did not document the final legal/administrative release, the remaining gap between the stated arrears and corrected savings, or a payment date.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006186",
              "start_seconds": 19678.36,
              "clock": "05:27:58",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006186"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006191",
              "start_seconds": 19704.798,
              "clock": "05:28:24",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006191"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006201",
              "start_seconds": 19761.52,
              "clock": "05:29:21",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006201"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006215",
              "start_seconds": 19899.958,
              "clock": "05:31:39",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006215"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "United States 12.5% tariffs, forced-labor import rule, and affected exports",
          "text": "Tinio asked about the reported 12.5% United States tariff, initially suggesting up to 40% of Philippine exports might be affected, the forced-labor-import rationale, and which exporters and industries needed help. Secretary Roque said DTI seeks other markets for exporters encountering United States entry problems and referred the legal explanation to Undersecretary Gepty. Gepty said the United States had moved from Section 122 tariffs to a Section 301 investigation and then imposed the 12.5% rate on about 67 countries; he described the stated basis as whether an economy has a law barring imports made with forced labor, not a finding that a country necessarily has a weak anti-forced-labor regime. He said the Philippines had issued a joint administrative order, which was under United States evaluation, and negotiations continued. EMB official Bianca clarified that the rate covered 30%, not 40%, of Philippine exports to the United States, identified electrical machinery/equipment, mechanical appliances, precision/optical/medical instruments, and labor-intensive leather, travel goods, apparel, footwear, and toys as covered, and listed specified electronics, auto and aircraft parts, agricultural and mineral products as exempt. Tinio requested the underlying information/list. The round ended without a document response, an outcome of the United States evaluation, or stated affected-exporter assistance.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006220",
              "start_seconds": 19925.718,
              "clock": "05:32:05",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006220"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006225",
              "start_seconds": 19993.44,
              "clock": "05:33:13",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006225"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006230",
              "start_seconds": 20045.638,
              "clock": "05:34:05",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006230"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006264",
              "start_seconds": 20289.84,
              "clock": "05:38:09",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006264"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006355",
              "start_seconds": 20368.92,
              "clock": "05:39:28",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006355"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "key": "vergara",
      "label": "Rep. Julius Cesar \"Jay\" V. Vergara",
      "items": [
        {
          "label": "CAMIC agricultural-machinery proposal: BOI routing, site needs, and DTI follow-up",
          "text": "Vergara raised CAMIC's prospective Cabanatuan agricultural-machinery proposal, saying its proponents had selected the city for 15 factories intended to make machinery suited to farmers' needs. He said a BOI submission had been handled by another department and that Cabanatuan had again raised the matter in June; he also described outstanding coordination on water, electricity, and designs for the proposed factories. He presented this as an example of investors losing interest when needed government help does not materialize. Secretary Roque deferred the matter to Undersecretary Rodolfo. Rodolfo said he had not known of the reported problem, would look into it, and later said DTI would do whatever it could to assist, help, and support the project. Vergara requested an update; no deadline, BOI disposition, confirmed investment, or concrete infrastructure action was given.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003443",
              "start_seconds": 10529.439,
              "clock": "02:55:29",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003443"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003581",
              "start_seconds": 10869.239,
              "clock": "03:01:09",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003581"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003605",
              "start_seconds": 10914.72,
              "clock": "03:01:54",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003605"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Provincial MSME benefit from the proposed DTI budget",
          "text": "For the record, Vergara asked how the proposed DTI budget would directly benefit provincial MSMEs, particularly those in agriculture, food processing, and local manufacturing, and which programs would ensure funds reached entrepreneurs on the ground. Citing Nueva Ecija's agricultural economy, he said farmers and small entrepreneurs struggled with market access, financing, technology, and business-development assistance, and asked what concrete budget measures would help Nueva Ecija and other palay-producing provinces. Rep. Charisse Anne C. Hernandez, presiding, said the point had been raised earlier and asked for a quick response, but Secretary Roque only thanked Hernandez before Vergara said he would obtain a copy. The exchange supplied no program list, allocation, concrete measure, or figure.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003615",
              "start_seconds": 10958.52,
              "clock": "03:02:38",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003615"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003632",
              "start_seconds": 11041.359,
              "clock": "03:04:01",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003632"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "key": "ismula",
      "label": "Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula",
      "items": [
        {
          "label": "Halal plan targets, certification results, and the proposed budget",
          "text": "Ismula opened on the halal industry, citing the 2023–2028 Philippine Halal Industry Development Strategic Plan's stated PHP 30 billion halal-investment target and its stated aim to double halal output to 6,000; the unit for 6,000 was not explained in this exchange. She asked for the industry's current economic share and growth. Secretary Roque deferred the program details to a DTI halal-program respondent identified on record only as Bianca. Bianca said DTI had certified 277 MSMEs serving domestic and export markets and had assisted 140 MSMEs to obtain halal certification in 2026; she also said halal products were being featured in national trade shows. Asked about the budget, Bianca cited roughly PHP 90 million for halal certification and product promotion in the prior year and PHP 81 million for the following year. Ismula's immediate follow-up is rendered as referring to “81 billion” in the current reviewed record; neither she nor Bianca corrected the figure in the exchange. Bianca said DTI would try to match the current and 2025 assistance level despite the lower 2027 budget. Roque said more funding was needed for certification, slaughterhouses, and trade-show participation, citing global halal potential of about USD 3 trillion and a domestic Muslim population she put at 13 million. The exchange did not supply the requested current economic-share or growth percentages, nor a numeric MSME target for the lower budget.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003646",
              "start_seconds": 11077.84,
              "clock": "03:04:37",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003646"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003672",
              "start_seconds": 11139.08,
              "clock": "03:05:39",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003672"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003683",
              "start_seconds": 11179.64,
              "clock": "03:06:19",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003683"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003700",
              "start_seconds": 11281.2,
              "clock": "03:08:01",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003700"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Accreditation assistance, export certification, and regional coverage",
          "text": "Ismula relayed Muslim Filipino stakeholders' concern that they still struggled to obtain halal accreditation and government support, and asked what specific assistance DTI offered producers and MSMEs. Bianca said DTI had launched several projects supporting certification, specifying that 277 MSMEs had been assisted in 2025 and 140 in 2026, with ongoing export-focused certification projects. She said DTI worked directly with recognized certifying bodies in key export markets. On Ismula's question whether support was centralized in Metro Manila, Bianca said the 277 supported MSMEs covered eight regions and were not limited to NCR. The exchange did not give a regional budget allocation, an accreditation timetable, or a final 2026 certification total.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003720",
              "start_seconds": 11375.359,
              "clock": "03:09:35",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003720"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003726",
              "start_seconds": 11413.72,
              "clock": "03:10:13",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003726"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003737",
              "start_seconds": 11474.279,
              "clock": "03:11:14",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003737"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003739",
              "start_seconds": 11494.12,
              "clock": "03:11:34",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003739"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "NCMF coordination, market access, and halal-standard concerns",
          "text": "Ismula asked whether DTI was maximizing coordination with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) and what mechanisms ensured effective halal-program implementation. Roque said coordination would continue through the halal board. She said five free-trade agreements remained pending and expressed hope they would be concluded that year, which she said could expand the market the following year. Ismula supported a larger halal budget and stressed continuous coordination with NCMF. Asked about incidents of noncompliance with strict halal standards and penalties, Bianca said DTI had no recorded domestic-market violations, while some trading partners had raised halal-certification issues in export markets; she confirmed DTI was helping address them. No penalty, case count, enforcement outcome, or completed FTA was supplied in the exchange.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003744",
              "start_seconds": 11519.84,
              "clock": "03:11:59",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003744"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003747",
              "start_seconds": 11543.76,
              "clock": "03:12:23",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003747"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003760",
              "start_seconds": 11608.76,
              "clock": "03:13:28",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003760"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003762",
              "start_seconds": 11625.08,
              "clock": "03:13:45",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003762"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "key": "pancho",
      "label": "Rep. Agustina Dominique \"Ditse Tina\" C. Pancho",
      "items": [
        {
          "label": "Local jeepney makers, EVIS access, and promised government follow-through",
          "text": "Pancho said Francisco Motors, Sarao Motors, and Amante had closed because, in her account, they were not prioritized under the public-utility modernization program while China-made modernized vehicles costing PHP 2.3 million were prioritized over vehicles costing PHP 1.3 million. She asked what assurance the government could give local makers now that Sarao and Francisco had electric vehicles priced at PHP 985,000. Secretary Roque said DTI would prioritize and assist local companies, including interested firms seeking to join the Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS), and would coordinate with Francisco and Sarao on how DTI could help them onboard the scheme and establish Philippine manufacturing. After Pancho warned that another unfulfilled promise could further erode trust, Roque committed to meet the firms as soon as possible, this week or next week, and coordinate with Pancho's office to update her. No EVIS approval, manufacturing result, or outcome of that meeting was supplied in the round.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003770",
              "start_seconds": 11661.399,
              "clock": "03:14:21",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003770"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003786",
              "start_seconds": 11711.52,
              "clock": "03:15:11",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003786"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003831",
              "start_seconds": 11800.84,
              "clock": "03:16:40",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003831"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Botika at Bakuna Para sa Mamamayan: program identity and sustainability",
          "text": "Pancho asked whether Botika at Bakuna Para sa Mamamayan was the same as Botika ng Bayan, then asked about the program's sustainability, particularly its medicines and included vaccines, and its current status. Roque referred the question to an absent DTI official she called Kim and asked that Pancho be updated. Rep. Charisse Anne C. Hernandez, presiding, said they would get back to Pancho when that official returned. No substantive agency answer, program-status finding, or sustainability detail was given in the round.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003838",
              "start_seconds": 11814.88,
              "clock": "03:16:54",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003838"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003841",
              "start_seconds": 11821.96,
              "clock": "03:17:01",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003841"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003856",
              "start_seconds": 11860.479,
              "clock": "03:17:40",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003856"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "key": "san-fernando",
      "label": "Rep. Elijah Rumbaoa San Fernando",
      "items": [
        {
          "label": "Industry Development Program: skills matching and sectoral roadmaps",
          "text": "San Fernando asked for the components of DTI's Industry Development Program. Undersecretary Rodolfo described two components: cross-cutting issues and sectoral issues. He identified the Academe-Industry Matching Program, Youth Can Make It Happen campaign, and Student Industry Learning Immersion Program, saying the focus was to prepare students with skills for employment after graduation by matching universities with industry. For sectoral work, he cited implementation of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act, including DTI's incentives portion, and said DTI would launch a semiconductor-and-electronics industry roadmap. No program budget, target, or implementation timeline was supplied in this exchange.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003869",
              "start_seconds": 11886.239,
              "clock": "03:18:06",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003869"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003876",
              "start_seconds": 11912.84,
              "clock": "03:18:32",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003876"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Quality jobs, manufacturing losses, and the composition of services employment",
          "text": "San Fernando asked what jobs industry development was generating and whether they were high-paying and of good quality. Rodolfo described work spanning high-end IC-design opportunities, factory employment, BPOs, and other job-generation activity. San Fernando challenged that account based on his reading of DTI performance indicators, asserting that industry employment had fallen since 2023 and citing 225,000 lost industry jobs and 177,000 manufacturing jobs; he linked the issue to the earlier closure of Francisco and Sarao Motors and said the government had not prioritized them. Rodolfo said manufacturing's share of total employment might not rise but it was generating other categories of jobs, pointed to electronics as the leading export driver, and listed services from retail trade to BPOs and IC design. When pressed for the shares of service jobs in BPOs and retail, Rodolfo said the BPO aspiration was up to 1.8 million jobs but did not have the retail data and would get it. The requested breakdown, wage-quality evidence, and reconciliation with San Fernando's cited figures were not provided.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003923",
              "start_seconds": 12005.399,
              "clock": "03:20:05",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003923"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-003931",
              "start_seconds": 12024.76,
              "clock": "03:20:24",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-003931"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004035",
              "start_seconds": 12237.399,
              "clock": "03:23:57",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004035"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004040",
              "start_seconds": 12246.96,
              "clock": "03:24:06",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004040"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Industrial policy, AI strategy, and the reduced industry-development budget",
          "text": "San Fernando said the presentation showed a 20 percent reduction in the Industry Development Program budget and questioned how DTI would carry out industrial development when, in his account, the department he called 'dep-dev' had said at a DBCC budget meeting that the country did not need an industrial policy like neighboring countries. Rodolfo said DTI was pursuing an AI-driven industrialization policy, seeking to anchor the country's existing participation in mining and mineral processing, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, and digital infrastructure to AI. He agreed that manpower development and concerted government action on industry policy were critical. San Fernando argued that upskilling initiatives alone did not amount to building domestic industries that create well-paying jobs and asked whether DTI had fought for the program. Rodolfo said DTI had pushed for more budget and resources but had to compete within overall fiscal space. In closing, San Fernando said he would support and debate for a larger industry-development budget if DTI sought it, while finding the answers and evident commitment insufficient.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004077",
              "start_seconds": 12322.479,
              "clock": "03:25:22",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004077"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004097",
              "start_seconds": 12362.319,
              "clock": "03:26:02",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004097"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004124",
              "start_seconds": 12416.479,
              "clock": "03:26:56",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004124"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004156",
              "start_seconds": 12481.52,
              "clock": "03:28:01",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004156"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "key": "espares",
      "label": "Rep. Felimon M. Espares",
      "items": [
        {
          "label": "DTI budget reduction, mandate delivery, and workforce development",
          "text": "Espares supported DTI's request for budget adjustments but said the proposed budget appeared reduced by as much as PHP 1 billion from the 2026 GAA. Secretary Roque said DTI had not expected the reduction and needed funds for investment promotion, consumer protection and fair trade, MSME development, export and local-product promotion, product standards, and investor attraction. She said exports and investments were up but cited the Middle East crisis as a current challenge. She also said DTI would continue its programs, work with TESDA on investor-relevant skills, and was hoping to conclude the ADB-linked ASCEND program for training toward higher-paying jobs. Espares asked the committee to consider DTI's requested adjustment, particularly for people development. The exchange did not give the size of DTI's requested adjustment or a program-by-program allocation.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004213",
              "start_seconds": 12612.199,
              "clock": "03:30:12",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004213"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004216",
              "start_seconds": 12659.439,
              "clock": "03:30:59",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004216"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "CDA capital outlay and regional offices without permanent buildings",
          "text": "Espares said CDA's budget was lower by almost PHP 400 million and that its capital outlay had disappeared, asking whether CDA could work with the reduction despite a 2026 capital-outlay requirement and a growing cooperative-support workload. CDA Chairperson Alexander Raquepo said CDA's original DBM submission had been slashed and it had been told there would be no construction budget for the next year; CDA would complete its vehicle purchase and computer-hardware enhancement before year-end and make do with what was approved. Espares said his visits indicated about six CDA regional offices lacked permanent offices despite having property; he said around 40 to 50 personnel were to be accommodated and government was still spending on rentals. Raquepo confirmed that six regional offices still lacked buildings and said two were about to be completed. At Espares's request, Raquepo committed to submit the regional-office information to the committee for study.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004245",
              "start_seconds": 12834.04,
              "clock": "03:33:54",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004245"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004256",
              "start_seconds": 12897.56,
              "clock": "03:34:57",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004256"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004284",
              "start_seconds": 13021.88,
              "clock": "03:37:01",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004284"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004286",
              "start_seconds": 13027.96,
              "clock": "03:37:07",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004286"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Cooperative financial assistance and the request for PHP 150 million",
          "text": "Espares said the financial-assistance subsidy for cooperatives had fallen from PHP 120 million in 2025 and PHP 157 million in 2026 to PHP 5 million in the proposed budget. He asked how CDA would assist distressed small cooperatives and encourage mergers and consolidation without subsidy funding. Raquepo said CDA would use the PHP 5 million to promote the program and earnestly requested approximately PHP 150 million for financial assistance to small and micro-cooperatives. Espares manifested support for that request and said PHP 150 million was a small amount. No committee decision on additional funds was made in the round.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004291",
              "start_seconds": 13035.0,
              "clock": "03:37:15",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004291"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004301",
              "start_seconds": 13089.76,
              "clock": "03:38:09",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004301"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "CDA staffing vacancies, delayed cooperative documents, and DBM reorganization",
          "text": "Espares said CDA had 879 authorized positions but only 697 filled, leaving 182 vacancies. He said he had received reports that certificates of compliance and amendments to articles of cooperation and bylaws could take as long as a year, with lack of personnel given as the response, and asked why the authorized posts could not be filled. Raquepo said CDA had submitted a reorganization request to DBM and was awaiting approval; once approved, it would proceed with hiring needed additional personnel. Espares asked for action as soon as possible, and Rep. Charisse Anne C. Hernandez, presiding, said the committee would note it. The record gave no approval date, hiring schedule, or processing-time remedy.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004313",
              "start_seconds": 13159.76,
              "clock": "03:39:19",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004313"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004327",
              "start_seconds": 13222.72,
              "clock": "03:40:22",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004327"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "key": "rufus-rodriguez",
      "label": "Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez",
      "items": [
        {
          "label": "CARS incentive payment and RACE's 2027 funding and administrative order",
          "text": "Rodriguez asked why the Joint Administrative Order for RACE had not been signed, why RACE had no 2027 budget, and why the government still owed Toyota PHP 1.5 billion. Secretary Roque deferred to Undersecretary Rodolfo. Rodolfo said DTI had secured funds to pay companies that had invested under CARS and that payment was in process; after Rodriguez asked whether the PHP 1.5 billion was coming, Rodolfo answered yes. On RACE, Rodolfo said DTI had included it in its Tier 2 proposal and was waiting on DBM, while the Joint Administrative Order was already circulating. The exchange supplied no payment date, DBM decision, or signing date.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004399",
              "start_seconds": 13512.885,
              "clock": "03:45:12",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004399"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004403",
              "start_seconds": 13539.661,
              "clock": "03:45:39",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004403"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004419",
              "start_seconds": 13584.783,
              "clock": "03:46:24",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004419"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Cagayan de Oro requests: investment center, local livelihood programs, and ROLL-IT",
          "text": "Rodriguez sought 2027 inclusion of an Investment Assistance Center in Cagayan de Oro. His audible request says PHP 80 million to start and immediately follows with PHP 86 million only; the recording does not establish the relationship between those amounts. Roque said DTI would include the center. Rodriguez also supported Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa and asked for Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay, specifying PHP 1 million for Cagayan de Oro's Second District; Roque gave a brief acknowledgment to the former request and also acknowledged the latter. On ROLL-IT, Roque said DTI had no budget because it remained under DPWH; a transfer to DTI had been proposed but had not occurred. Rodriguez said the committee should work with DPWH to download it to DTI. No appropriation or transfer was completed in the exchange.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004425",
              "start_seconds": 13604.258,
              "clock": "03:46:44",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004425"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004428",
              "start_seconds": 13625.271,
              "clock": "03:47:05",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004428"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004432",
              "start_seconds": 13637.076,
              "clock": "03:47:17",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004432"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004441",
              "start_seconds": 13669.665,
              "clock": "03:47:49",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004441"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Restoring DTI funds for mandates, SB Corp, and market access",
          "text": "Asked which three projects most needed funding and by how much, Roque identified DTI's core work in foreign trade and international investment, consumer protection and fair trade, and MSME development, specifically SB Corp. She said SB Corp needed an additional PHP 5 billion to help businesses facing crises and fund expansion, raw materials, packaging, overhead, and purchase orders; she cited PHP 150 million for fair trade. Rodriguez noted that the Office of the Secretary had been cut by PHP 1 billion, discussed a PHP 300 million restoration, and urged restoring the full PHP 1 billion while treating SB Corp separately. Roque added creative industries, gaming design and anime, halal certification and slaughterhouses, agriculture exports, and trade shows as funding needs; she said the trade-show request had been PHP 250 million but was then PHP 80 million. At Rodriguez's request, she committed to submit the restoration priorities to the subcommittee. The record did not provide the promised itemized submission or a final committee funding decision.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004446",
              "start_seconds": 13695.552,
              "clock": "03:48:15",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004446"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004447",
              "start_seconds": 13702.842,
              "clock": "03:48:22",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004447"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004485",
              "start_seconds": 13850.214,
              "clock": "03:50:50",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004485"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004511",
              "start_seconds": 13985.701,
              "clock": "03:53:05",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004511"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Call for DTI and CDA to press their funding case",
          "text": "Rodriguez told DTI to submit the priorities that should be restored from the PHP 1 billion removed from its department and criticized CDA's earlier willingness to make do, saying agencies should fight for more in a budget hearing. He said the overall budget had increased by 6 percent while DTI had been reduced by 10 percent and argued that DTI deserved at least the 6 percent increase. Rep. Charisse Anne C. Hernandez, presiding, thanked him and expressed belief in DTI's potential. These were member and chair positions, not a new DTI funding commitment or committee decision.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004524",
              "start_seconds": 14020.956,
              "clock": "03:53:40",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004524"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004571",
              "start_seconds": 14123.065,
              "clock": "03:55:23",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004571"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "key": "de-jesus",
      "label": "Rep. Presley C. De Jesus",
      "items": [
        {
          "label": "Cooperative Development Officer Act implementation and local-government staffing",
          "text": "De Jesus asked whether Republic Act No. 11535, the Cooperative Development Officer Act that he said he authored in the 18th Congress, had been fully implemented for municipalities up to third class. CDA Chairperson Alexander Raquepo reported 73.2 percent compliance, describing it as 74 percent, in placing cooperative development officers in provinces, cities, and municipalities. Raquepo said CDA had signed a joint memorandum of understanding with DILG to implement the law, but LGUs commonly cited lack of appropriate funds; he said the law compels local governments to include the posts in their plantilla. De Jesus said cooperatives in far-flung areas depend on the officers, asked for the reasons the remaining placements were incomplete, and asked that the status be ready before budget plenary, offering to raise it with DILG. No completion date, LGU-by-LGU status, or funding solution was given.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004587",
              "start_seconds": 14170.479,
              "clock": "03:56:10",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004587"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004596",
              "start_seconds": 14198.279,
              "clock": "03:56:38",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004596"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004606",
              "start_seconds": 14235.96,
              "clock": "03:57:15",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004606"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "DTI's proposed budget: member-cited reductions, DBM allocation, and a ₱17 billion request",
          "text": "De Jesus questioned the proposed DTI budget using several figures from the materials and discussion: he referred to 2026 at PHP 7 billion and the new figure at PHP 6 billion, then to a decline from PHP 12.5 billion to PHP 10.9 billion. Secretary Roque said the allocation was what DBM had given after DTI submitted its proposed budget. When asked how much DTI had sought, she said PHP 17 billion; after De Jesus confused the agency-wide total with a smaller number, she clarified that PHP 10 billion was for the entire DTI. The exchange did not reconcile De Jesus's different budget figures or identify program-level sources of the reduction.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004642",
              "start_seconds": 14357.88,
              "clock": "03:59:17",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004642"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004651",
              "start_seconds": 14394.12,
              "clock": "03:59:54",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004651"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004654",
              "start_seconds": 14408.56,
              "clock": "04:00:08",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004654"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "APECO's performance account and infrastructure-investment pipeline",
          "text": "On the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO), De Jesus asked about the sharp budget reduction; Rep. Charisse Anne C. Hernandez, presiding, called on APECO President and CEO Gil Taway. Taway said APECO had been told the explanation was limited fiscal space and priority for national government agencies rather than GOCCs expected to generate income. He said APECO had inherited a blighted zone with no power, no businesses, and PHP 800 million in abandoned projects; according to his account, seven of nine abandoned projects had been completed and inaugurated, two were ongoing, and 27 infrastructure projects had been completed, with more than half revenue-generating. He said that, as of June, APECO had generated income for the first time but was not self-sufficient. Taway also described an airport-terminal bid opening set for September 1, air-traffic-control-tower pre-procurement set for August 27, 2026, a PHP 132 million convention center in post-qualification, tourism and seaport plans, and a US defense-company project said to be about to break ground, with planned stages from drone testing, operations, and maintenance-repair-overhaul to drone and arms manufacturing. These were APECO's reported plans and accomplishments; the round did not establish their completion or financing.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004665",
              "start_seconds": 14436.399,
              "clock": "04:00:36",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004665"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004680",
              "start_seconds": 14495.6,
              "clock": "04:01:35",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004680"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004730",
              "start_seconds": 14673.68,
              "clock": "04:04:33",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004730"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004793",
              "start_seconds": 14823.359,
              "clock": "04:07:03",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004793"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "APECO's ₱67 million allocation, operating shortfall, and DBM explanation",
          "text": "De Jesus said APECO had sought PHP 2 billion but received PHP 67 million, contrasting it with prior allocations he variously described in the low-PHP-300-million range. He asked whether DTI or DBM had set the PHP 67 million figure. Roque said it came from DBM, not DTI. De Jesus asked for an answer before plenary; Roque committed to check with DBM on the calculation and reason and report back. Taway said PHP 61 million of the PHP 67 million would go to personnel services, leaving PHP 6 million for MOOE, which he said threatened APECO's operations. De Jesus questioned whether DTI had defended the economic-zone budget. Roque said investors choose among the economic zones DTI presents, and also said she would check DBM, speak with the concerned secretary, and revert to De Jesus. No DBM rationale, revised allocation, or operating remedy was supplied.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004815",
              "start_seconds": 14867.399,
              "clock": "04:07:47",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004815"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004825",
              "start_seconds": 14884.72,
              "clock": "04:08:04",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004825"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004854",
              "start_seconds": 14931.64,
              "clock": "04:08:51",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004854"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004876",
              "start_seconds": 14979.199,
              "clock": "04:09:39",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004876"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "key": "poe",
      "label": "Rep. Brian Poe",
      "items": [
        {
          "label": "Pax Silica knowledge transfer and worker protections",
          "text": "Poe returned to the Pax Silica documents, saying the public materials he reviewed did not explain all provisions, and asked whether agreements included knowledge or technology transfer. Secretary Roque deferred to Undersecretary Rodolfo, who said it was being discussed. He said New Clark City had been selected because the project was ready there and pointed to UP Open University and Philippine Science High School's Infinitum project as part of Philippine capacity to absorb technology, not merely receive company-side transfer. Poe asked for details for his office and then asked whether workers in Pax Silica factories and other corporations would have fair wages. Rodolfo said locators must comply with Philippine law and said DTI expected them to pay above locally mandated wages, as in other zones. No agreement text, technology-transfer terms, wage schedule, or enforcement mechanism was supplied.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004954",
              "start_seconds": 15139.359,
              "clock": "04:12:19",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004954"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-004979",
              "start_seconds": 15192.0,
              "clock": "04:13:12",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-004979"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005020",
              "start_seconds": 15274.84,
              "clock": "04:14:34",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005020"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005026",
              "start_seconds": 15287.439,
              "clock": "04:14:47",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005026"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Pax Silica power and water: investor-supplied infrastructure and public concerns",
          "text": "Poe asked whether energy-generation studies could support the industries proposed for Pax Silica and pressed the meaning of secure your own water, including rainwater harvesting, desalination, or a dam. Rodolfo said the New Clark City proposal was advanced manufacturing rather than a data center and described the approach as build your own roads, bring your own power, and secure and reuse your own water, with a BCDA assessment already undertaken. For water, he described surface-water and rainwater capture and impounding, and a discussion with a Middle East company about desalination in Subic and a pipeline to Clark. Poe said the public worried about higher electricity bills and water consumption during a possible dry spell. The described water and power arrangements were plans or discussions, not completed infrastructure, and no capacity, cost, tariff, or environmental-impact figures were provided.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005028",
              "start_seconds": 15311.96,
              "clock": "04:15:11",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005028"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005029",
              "start_seconds": 15335.72,
              "clock": "04:15:35",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005029"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005036",
              "start_seconds": 15376.56,
              "clock": "04:16:16",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005036"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Mineral processing, environmental safeguards, and a November Pax Silica target",
          "text": "Poe asked for the terms of any mineral-extraction arrangements connected with Pax Silica. Rodolfo said mining and mineral processing were not yet under discussion but could form part of future supply-chain talks; DTI's objective was to add value to minerals currently exported as unprocessed ore. He said processing would not occur in Clark and would instead likely be near mines, possibly in Mindanao, because distance from mines would be uneconomic. He said applicable Philippine environmental laws would govern and every Clark locator would need its own ECC. Asked about signing, Rodolfo said November was a fighting target, not a date that would be forced if the work was not ready. Poe asked to be kept informed of terms before signing. No mineral agreement, site selection, ECC, or signed date existed in the exchange.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005043",
              "start_seconds": 15500.399,
              "clock": "04:18:20",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005043"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005046",
              "start_seconds": 15530.68,
              "clock": "04:18:50",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005046"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005067",
              "start_seconds": 15612.0,
              "clock": "04:20:12",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005067"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005069",
              "start_seconds": 15616.52,
              "clock": "04:20:16",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005069"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "DTI budget reduction, export support, and requested revenue-loss projections",
          "text": "Poe noted an approximately PHP 600 million DTI reduction and asked what was affected. Roque identified trade shows, shared service facilities, and export funding, the areas she said had shown substantial growth, and said SB Corp had a small increase but DTI had hoped for more. Poe asked DTI to provide the committee projections of how much the country could lose if trade-show and export-support funding were removed, so the budget could be assessed against possible foregone revenue. Roque agreed. The round did not contain the projections or a final funding decision.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005081",
              "start_seconds": 15638.04,
              "clock": "04:20:38",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005081"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005096",
              "start_seconds": 15669.72,
              "clock": "04:21:09",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005096"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005115",
              "start_seconds": 15708.479,
              "clock": "04:21:48",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005115"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005129",
              "start_seconds": 15736.72,
              "clock": "04:22:16",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005129"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Youth and women enterprise funds: allocations, access terms, and early uptake",
          "text": "Poe asked about the newly launched Youth Enterprise Fund. Roque said PHP 1 billion had been set aside, though SB Corp lacked funds to provide more; she described loans from PHP 30,000 to PHP 500,000 without collateral and said new businesses needed registration, a local permit, and a business plan, while existing businesses additionally needed bank information and a business photograph. She said youth-focused trade shows were planned. Asked how many beneficiaries there were, Roque said the program had started only the prior month, approvals and outreach were still underway, and DTI hoped to exhaust the PHP 1 billion before the next fiscal year. Poe then asked about the Women Enterprise Fund; Roque said the fund had launched in March and that quite a lot had already availed. Poe later cited PHP 3 billion for women, while Roque had said in her presentation that PHP 2 billion was set aside for the Women's Enterprise Fund; the two figures were not reconciled. No beneficiary count, disbursement amount, approval rate, or evidence that either allocation would be fully used was provided.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005131",
              "start_seconds": 15740.279,
              "clock": "04:22:20",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005131"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005135",
              "start_seconds": 15748.92,
              "clock": "04:22:28",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005135"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005188",
              "start_seconds": 15855.56,
              "clock": "04:24:15",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005188"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005191",
              "start_seconds": 15860.439,
              "clock": "04:24:20",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005191"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005223",
              "start_seconds": 15924.96,
              "clock": "04:25:24",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005223"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005225",
              "start_seconds": 15928.239,
              "clock": "04:25:28",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005225"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Halal certification and the reduced halal budget",
          "text": "Poe asked whether the funding used to expand the local halal industry had been effective or was insufficient. Roque said it was still insufficient because products had to be certified and said some currently used certifying bodies were not producing orders. She said DTI already had a list of certifying bodies suitable to each export destination and was encouraging exporters to certify the same products as halal so they could reach a global market she put at about USD 2-3 trillion. Poe noted that the halal budget had also fallen and said stronger youth, women, and halal funding could raise revenue and jobs. The exchange supplied no certification count, export result, budget amount, or target for the lower halal allocation.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005250",
              "start_seconds": 15978.359,
              "clock": "04:26:18",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005250"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005258",
              "start_seconds": 15994.199,
              "clock": "04:26:34",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005258"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "key": "eulogio-rodriguez",
      "label": "Rep. Eulogio \"Leo\" R. Rodriguez",
      "items": [
        {
          "label": "Abaca production decline, MSME support, and market access",
          "text": "Rodriguez said abaca is a Catanduanes livelihood and identity and asked what DTI could do about the value-chain effects of declining production. He cited national output falling from 70,209 metric tons in 2019 to 55,816 in 2025, about 22.7 percent, and Catanduanes falling from 20,371.43 in 2024 to 11,256 metric tons in 2025, 44.7 percent; those figures were his stated data. Secretary Roque said abaca production is principally with DA and said she would discuss the concern with the agriculture secretary she called Kiko, while reporting that 2025 abaca-fiber exports were up 25 percent to 21.7 million, with no unit stated in the recorded answer, and saying DTI would coordinate market work with the Export Marketing Bureau. DTI Assistant Secretary Grace F. Baluyan said DTI's direct intervention is at MSME level, including market access, product development, OTOP, shared-service facilities, and Negosyo Centers. She said its unfunded industry-cluster work depends on local partnerships; abaca is covered under wearables and homestyle, with national industry coordinators helping roadmaps. Baluyan said, if permitted, DTI could provide a report on the dwindling raw-material supply and shrinking market. DTI did not provide a causal analysis of the production loss or commit a funded industry-wide abaca program.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005320",
              "start_seconds": 16118.319,
              "clock": "04:28:38",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005320"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005358",
              "start_seconds": 16239.64,
              "clock": "04:30:39",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005358"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005366",
              "start_seconds": 16312.68,
              "clock": "04:31:52",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005366"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005402",
              "start_seconds": 16532.0,
              "clock": "04:35:32",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005402"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Catanduanes shared facility, 2027 value-chain plan, and overseas trade-fair access",
          "text": "Citing DTI's recently launched PHP 4.3 million shared-service facility for Catanduanes furniture and handicraft producers, Rodriguez sought an integrated 2027 plan from processing and manufacturing through product development, branding, and high-value markets. He also raised the cost barrier for two Catanduanes invitees to the Tokyo International Gift Show, and the cost of transporting OTOP goods to Manila fairs. Secretary Roque pointed to DTI's 18 regional offices, more than 1,400 Negosyo Centers, the Export Marketing Bureau, free domestic and international trade shows, and help connecting firms to loans, malls, and companies; she also urged use of regional sales and e-commerce. The trade-fair respondent said the Tokyo fair is a CITEM activity, reported that the prior year's participants received Japanese orders, and said government support could cover rental space and booth construction and link firms with PhilExport, but not travel or other personal costs. No commitment was made to fund overseas travel for the micro-entrepreneurs.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005420",
              "start_seconds": 16635.32,
              "clock": "04:37:15",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005420"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005447",
              "start_seconds": 16775.32,
              "clock": "04:39:35",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005447"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005513",
              "start_seconds": 17017.84,
              "clock": "04:43:37",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005513"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "APECO investment pipeline, infrastructure claims, and requested support",
          "text": "Rodriguez followed up on APECO and asked whether its reported investors and improvements could be sustained, then supported the agency's request in his wrap-up. APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV described, not confirmed as completed investments, a PHP 18 billion pipeline based on expressed or keen interest: two renewable-energy companies for a 50-MW start and a 50-100-MW solar farm or plant, one said to be signing a lease and one an option to lease; a United States defense company said to be nearing signing; and prospective tuna-highway, cold-chain or storage, fish-processing, and canning activity. He said one lease agreement had been signed but needed revision, and described an InfiniBan memorandum of understanding for a cable landing connection to Baler. Taway also represented that water was not an issue, power was coming, a certificate of registration issued two weeks earlier came out within six days through APECO's single-window accelerator, its super health center was complete and expected to open on September 14 with a Swiss operator and domestic medical-equipment company in a no-government-cost joint venture, and that a Pacific gateway-port vision had drawn Port of Antwerp interest. These were Taway's representations; the exchange did not establish executed investments, completed power delivery, final lease terms, financing, or a committee funding decision.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005552",
              "start_seconds": 17141.16,
              "clock": "04:45:41",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005552"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005577",
              "start_seconds": 17190.558,
              "clock": "04:46:30",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005577"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005585",
              "start_seconds": 17206.558,
              "clock": "04:46:46",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005585"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005674",
              "start_seconds": 17415.04,
              "clock": "04:50:15",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005674"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "key": "benitez",
      "label": "Rep. Javier Miguel Lopez Benitez",
      "items": [
        {
          "label": "Creative-industry value, regular funding, and the Malikha ng Pinoy gap",
          "text": "Benitez, chair of the Special Committee on Creative Industries, said the sector accounted for about 7.8 to 8 percent of GDP and estimated its budget had fallen by about 30 percent. He asked DTI to state its value to the country. Secretary Roque called creative industries a potential driver of trade and tourism, with talent that could be recognized locally and globally and supported by jobs. She said the regular creative-industry budget was ₱50 million and that this was insufficient to drive the sector as intended. Benitez then said Malikhaing Pinoy, once as high as ₱300 million, was zero in the 2027 NEP. Roque agreed and said the earlier allocation was not utilized because, when she started, the year was already halfway through; she said DTI now treated creative industries as a priority and hoped to seek a larger budget. The round did not establish a restored amount, a line-item allocation, or a Malikhaing Pinoy implementation plan.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005754",
              "start_seconds": 18411.511,
              "clock": "05:06:51",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005754"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005756",
              "start_seconds": 18424.878,
              "clock": "05:07:04",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005756"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005784",
              "start_seconds": 18523.42,
              "clock": "05:08:43",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005784"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005794",
              "start_seconds": 18542.4,
              "clock": "05:09:02",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005794"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Digital-services-tax revenue and creative-industry budget priority",
          "text": "Benitez said a 5 percent digital-services tax had collected about ₱318 million from August through December and asked where that amount appeared in the 2027 NEP, citing a prior DBC promise that it would be reflected. He also argued that creative industries were a scalable, globally competitive opportunity. Roque agreed with the sector's potential for jobs in singing, dance, acting, games, design and anime, and said it was an opportunity under the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement. She referred to the amount as ₱318 million, or ₱313 million, and said it had not yet been downloaded to DTI as of that day. She said DTI was seeking more support from legislators for the creative-industry budget. The exchange did not reconcile the ₱318 million/₱313 million references, verify the asserted collection or establish its disposition, or produce a funded priority list.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005855",
              "start_seconds": 18665.558,
              "clock": "05:11:05",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005855"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-005899",
              "start_seconds": 18738.08,
              "clock": "05:12:18",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-005899"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "ASEAN chairmanship, creative-industry showcase, and budget constraint",
          "text": "Benitez asked whether a center of excellence for creative industries was a priority during the Philippines' ASEAN chairmanship, referring to UPLB as the first center and suggesting a creative-industry center as a possible second. Roque said creative industries were a priority and said DTI would showcase singers, dancers and designers at ASEAN meetings. She said the Middle East crisis had moved activity online and created a challenge across industries. She also said two more areas at Likha were being dedicated to creative industries, hoped they would open in September for ASEAN economic ministers and leaders, and hoped the MSME summit would be held there. She said creative industries were part of DTI meetings and trade shows but needed more budget. The response did not specifically commit to the proposed center, and the September opening and summit were hopes rather than completed outcomes.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006023",
              "start_seconds": 18883.92,
              "clock": "05:14:43",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006023"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006027",
              "start_seconds": 18914.638,
              "clock": "05:15:14",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006027"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006033",
              "start_seconds": 18950.798,
              "clock": "05:15:50",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006033"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Negros Island Region allocation and project alignment",
          "text": "Benitez asked what budget and priority could be given to the new Negros Island Region, echoing a concern attributed to the deputy speaker Benitez called Chedeng Alvarez. Roque said the regional director had requested PHP 15 million and DBM recommended PHP 15.8 million. She said the region had received the budget needed and suggested working closely on how to allocate it in line with projects Benitez wanted. The exchange did not provide a project-by-project allocation, implementation schedule, or additional regional funding commitment.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006057",
              "start_seconds": 19058.4,
              "clock": "05:17:38",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006057"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006061",
              "start_seconds": 19081.32,
              "clock": "05:18:01",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006061"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "key": "chair-closing",
      "label": "Rep. Charisse Anne C. Hernandez",
      "items": [
        {
          "label": "Closing assessment of the proposed DTI budget and documented follow-up",
          "text": "After thanking Representative Tinio, Rep. Charisse Anne C. Hernandez, presiding, asked that the requested documents be provided. In her closing manifestation, she said the proposed PHP 10.9 billion FY 2027 DTI budget might sustain core programs, Negosyo Centers, Tatak Pinoy, trade facilitation, and consumer protection, but represented a significant reduction from the previous year's appropriation. She said the committee would take note and raise the reduction during deliberations for its committee report. No DTI response or document-delivery confirmation appears in this intervention.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006362",
              "start_seconds": 20381.718,
              "clock": "05:39:41",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006362"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006373",
              "start_seconds": 20404.52,
              "clock": "05:40:04",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006373"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006385",
              "start_seconds": 20427.718,
              "clock": "05:40:27",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006385"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Committee priorities for deliberation and possible final-budget consideration",
          "text": "Hernandez said the committee would consider issues raised in the hearing, naming RACE, CARS, EVIS implementation, MSME linkages, and foreign-trade promotion. She highlighted support for Philippine products including abaca, coconut, cacao, ube, calamansi, coffee, rice, and corn; MSMEs and halal industries; SB Corporation; creative industries and the Malikhaing Pinoy/creative-industries budget across nine domains; APECO; BOI industry-development/investment-promotion work; and cooperative/CDA support. She said these concerns would be raised in committee and expressed the expectation that the priorities receive due consideration in the final budget. This was Hernandez's summary of concerns and intended deliberation, not an appropriation decision or an agency funding commitment.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006393",
              "start_seconds": 20443.878,
              "clock": "05:40:43",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006393"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006408",
              "start_seconds": 20473.52,
              "clock": "05:41:13",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006408"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "label": "Resumed closing: DTI priority-restoration submission for BARC and committee review",
          "text": "After a source-clock gap, Rep. Charisse Anne C. Hernandez, presiding, resumed the briefing and invited Committee Chair Rep. Mikaela Angela B. Suansing's manifestation. Suansing said Hernandez had raised the substantial PHP 1.36 billion reduction from the 2026 level and that further discussion should identify where decreases occurred and which DTI items should be prioritized for restoration. She directed the Secretary to submit priority programs and projects as soon as possible, ideally that week, for the Budget Amendments Review Subcommittee (BARC) and Committee on Appropriations to consider potential restoration, while expressing support for DTI's work and its direct benefits to small and medium enterprises. No DTI reply, submission, restoration amount, or BARC/committee decision was recorded before Hernandez thanked her.",
          "citations": [
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006466",
              "start_seconds": 22993.718,
              "clock": "06:23:13",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006466"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006496",
              "start_seconds": 23051.08,
              "clock": "06:24:11",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006496"
            },
            {
              "stable_id": "asr-006519",
              "start_seconds": 23095.16,
              "clock": "06:24:55",
              "transcript_url": "https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/5/#asr-006519"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}