# House Plenary: FY 2027 General Appropriations Bill Day 2 Part 2 - September 16, 2026 — Source-Linked Digest

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qulUiqaZJIQ

AI-assisted working draft. AI can make errors. Always verify consequential interpretations and wording against the cited transcript and official video.

## At a glance

- **Human-rights protections and agency capacity:** Members pressed for drug-war case dispositions and accountability, questioned CHR's investigation capacity and targets, and sought action on child protection, red-tagging, Marawi concerns and memorial construction. The sponsor promised reports and continued investigations.

- **Connectivity and digital services:** Members challenged connectivity, budget utilization and reliance on overseas data storage, then pressed for measurable anti-scam results and accountability from Meta. DICT consideration was deferred until the department could present measurable deliverables.

- **Wages, worker protections and employment:** Members challenged regional wage setting, TUPAD's scale and beneficiary practices, labor inspections and worker benefits. They also sought evidence that AI training protected jobs. The sponsor defended emergency employment, offered reports and described wage and legal-assistance programs.

Reading note: This digest covers Part 2 as a separate session from H79 Part 1. H79 records a DAR recognition before a source gap; opens with a motion to terminate DAR sponsorship and debate. No substantive Rep. Elijah Rumbaoa San Fernando DAR interpellation is reconstructed across that gap.

## Agency budget proposals

### Commission on Human Rights (CHR), including the Human Rights Violations Victims Memorial Commission (HRVVMC)

For FY2027, CHR sponsor Rep. Ma. Cristina Talavera Lopez presented a National Expenditure Program (NEP) allocation of PHP 1.273 billion against the Commission's stated PHP 2.749 billion requested budget. She urged augmentation to support CHR's independent mandate.

Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago later reported that the HRVVMC budget in the GAB under consideration had fallen from PHP 62,504,000 to PHP 61,174,000. The HRVVMC had no FY2027 capital-outlay allocation; no separate original HRVVMC request was stated.

After De Jesus said there were no further minority questions, the House terminated interpellations on the CHR and HRVVMC budgets after no objection.

[00:12:53 · asr-000058](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000058) · [00:13:23 · asr-000059](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000059) · [01:02:56 · asr-000582](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000582) · [01:03:23 · asr-000587](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000587) · [01:03:44 · asr-000591](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000591) · [01:43:58 · asr-001204](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001204)

### Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and attached agencies

DICT sponsor Rep. Brian Poe presented an FY2027 total expenditure program of PHP 19.49 billion for DICT and attached agencies, PHP 1.27 billion or 7% above FY2026. The original agency request to DBM was not stated.

The presentation allocated PHP 3.85 billion to the ICT Systems and Information Infrastructure Program, PHP 1.13 billion to the National Broadband Plan, and PHP 949.5 million to the National Government Data Center. The Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project was described as a PHP 16.1 billion total project, with PHP 2.16 billion programmed for FY2027; the Free Public Internet Access Program had PHP 5 billion in FY2027 automatic appropriations.

Later, the House approved a motion to defer consideration of the DICT budget and attached agencies.

[01:54:02 · asr-001231](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001231) · [01:54:38 · asr-001232](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001232) · [01:55:04 · asr-001233](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001233) · [01:55:32 · asr-001234](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001234) · [03:52:47 · asr-003336](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003336) · [03:52:56 · asr-003340](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003340)

### Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), including attached agencies and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)

DOLE sponsor Rep. Rommel Rico T. Angara presented a proposed FY2027 NEP amount of PHP 47,057,355,000, including attached agencies such as TESDA, compared with PHP 61.2 billion in the FY2026 GAA. Angara described the reduction as PHP 14.1 billion. The original agency request to DBM was not stated, and no distinct TESDA presentation amount was given.

Angara also presented an additional PHP 75 million request for the Labor Attorney's Office and the planned National Academy for Labor Justice; it was not adopted in this exchange. Additional TUPAD funding and restoration of labor-protection and TESDA resources were also sought.

The House later terminated interpellations on the DOLE budget and attached agencies after no objection.

[04:02:25 · asr-003400](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003400) · [04:02:29 · asr-003401](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003401) · [04:02:38 · asr-003402](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003402) · [04:02:48 · asr-003403](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003403) · [04:03:43 · asr-003408](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003408) · [04:03:59 · asr-003411](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003411) · [06:24:39 · asr-006361](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006361) · [06:24:43 · asr-006365](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006365)

## Commission on Human Rights (CHR)

### Commission on Human Rights (CHR)

Talavera Lopez argued that CHR needs adequate resources to investigate human-rights violations, assist victims and prevent abuse. She emphasized its independent constitutional role and urged support for augmentation.

[00:13:53 · asr-000060](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000060) · [00:14:23 · asr-000061](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000061)

### Rep. Iris Marie Demesa Montes

Rep. Iris Marie Demesa Montes asked whether the credibility of the Philippines' human-rights institutions affects its standing internationally. Sponsor Rep. Ma. Cristina Talavera Lopez agreed, and also agreed that human-rights concerns were among the interpretations of the Philippines' failed bid for a non-permanent United Nations Security Council seat. Montes pressed for the role of unresolved violations under the previous administration. Lopez cited the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Task Force on Zero Backlog Cases: 493 cases identified for reinvestigation in 2024, 289 reinvestigated in 2025, and 140 pending disposition, with the commission committed to completing dispositions by year-end. Asked whether these included red-tagging and extrajudicial-killing (EJK) cases, Lopez cited both and agreed that the commission's findings were consistent with concerns raised internationally. These statements represent the speakers' characterization of international views and the CHR's work, not independent findings established by this digest.

Montes asked whether CHR could be included on the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) to help shape drug policy and oversee human-rights protections. Lopez said the CHR was willing to support the work and prepare position papers on drug-related cases, but had not been engaged by the DDB and could not sit as a regular board member because the commission must maintain its constitutional independence. She said the CHR could observe, advise and contribute recommendations to interagency bodies. Lopez urged treating drug use as a public-health issue rather than criminalizing people who need services, and said drug cases accounted for more than 70% of people in jail; these figures and characterizations are attributed to the sponsor. She said the CHR receives and investigates cases and can endorse or recommend action to other agencies, but cannot file cases itself. Montes accepted that a regular seat was unavailable while continuing to urge ways for CHR expertise to inform policy affecting vulnerable groups, particularly women and youth.

Montes asked whether CHR IEC materials on women's rights and gender-based violence were available and reached rural communities. Lopez said materials existed in both physical and online formats, and that commission staff visited organizations, barangays and municipalities. Asked how much FY2027 funding supported production, printing and dissemination, Lopez said the proposed IEC allocation was PHP94,643,000. She clarified it was a lump sum for all sectors, with no specific amount earmarked for women or children. Montes then asked how the commission would reach women, including in rural areas; Lopez identified a separate FY2027 GAD budget of PHP77 million and confirmed that it funded the women's work being discussed. The exchange established relevant materials and delivery channels, but no child- or women-specific share of the IEC total.

[00:15:23 · asr-000068](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000068) · [00:15:39 · asr-000069](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000069) · [00:15:53 · asr-000073](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000073) · [00:16:01 · asr-000074](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000074) · [00:16:08 · asr-000075](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000075) · [00:16:23 · asr-000077](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000077) · [00:16:30 · asr-000079](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000079) · [00:17:09 · asr-000081](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000081) · [00:17:23 · asr-000084](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000084) · [00:17:30 · asr-000085](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000085) · [00:17:37 · asr-000086](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000086) · [00:17:57 · asr-000089](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000089) · [00:18:39 · asr-000098](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000098) · [00:19:02 · asr-000100](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000100) · [00:19:23 · asr-000105](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000105) · [00:19:40 · asr-000108](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000108) · [00:21:11 · asr-000125](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000125) · [00:21:34 · asr-000128](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000128) · [00:21:52 · asr-000131](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000131) · [00:21:59 · asr-000132](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000132) · [00:23:19 · asr-000143](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000143) · [00:23:22 · asr-000144](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000144) · [00:23:27 · asr-000145](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000145) · [00:23:35 · asr-000146](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000146) · [00:23:47 · asr-000147](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000147) · [00:24:03 · asr-000149](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000149) · [00:24:09 · asr-000150](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000150) · [00:24:43 · asr-000156](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000156) · [00:24:52 · asr-000158](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000158) · [00:25:04 · asr-000160](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000160) · [00:25:22 · asr-000163](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000163) · [00:25:29 · asr-000164](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000164) · [00:25:47 · asr-000168](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000168) · [00:25:56 · asr-000170](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000170) · [00:26:03 · asr-000171](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000171) · [00:26:45 · asr-000179](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000179) · [00:26:52 · asr-000181](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000181) · [00:27:01 · asr-000183](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000183) · [00:27:31 · asr-000187](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000187) · [00:27:44 · asr-000190](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000190) · [00:27:49 · asr-000192](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000192) · [00:27:52 · asr-000193](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000193) · [00:28:22 · asr-000200](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000200) · [00:28:35 · asr-000203](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000203) · [00:28:40 · asr-000204](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000204) · [00:28:47 · asr-000206](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000206) · [00:29:04 · asr-000211](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000211) · [00:29:15 · asr-000213](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000213) · [00:29:26 · asr-000219](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000219) · [00:29:30 · asr-000220](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000220) · [00:29:38 · asr-000223](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000223) · [00:29:44 · asr-000224](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000224) · [00:30:00 · asr-000230](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000230) · [00:30:09 · asr-000231](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000231) · [00:30:32 · asr-000235](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000235) · [00:30:35 · asr-000236](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000236) · [00:30:52 · asr-000238](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000238) · [00:30:59 · asr-000240](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000240) · [00:31:07 · asr-000242](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000242) · [00:31:14 · asr-000243](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000243) · [00:31:16 · asr-000245](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000245) · [00:31:46 · asr-000250](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000250) · [00:31:56 · asr-000251](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000251) · [00:31:58 · asr-000252](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000252)

### Rep. Antonio L. Tinio

Rep. Antonio L. Tinio framed his questions around accountability for extrajudicial killings during the previous administration's drug war. He argued that investigations should reach beyond senior officials to the chain of command and officers and rank-and-file personnel he said carried out the killings. He asked Rep. Ma. Cristina Talavera Lopez, sponsor for the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), for an update on the cases the Commission had reopened. Talavera Lopez reported 493 cases identified for reinvestigation in 2024 and 289 cases reinvestigated in 2025; of those 289, she said 140 were then for disposition, with resolutions being drafted. She committed to completing disposition of those cases by the end of the year.

In a follow-up, she said 120 cases had been transmitted and undergone preliminary evaluation by the task force. When Tinio asked which figure was official, 120 or 140, Talavera Lopez said 140 cases as of that day and reaffirmed the figure. The exchange did not clarify how the 120-case preliminary-evaluation group related to the 140 cases for disposition. Tinio asked what would happen to the remaining 2024 and 2025 cases; Talavera Lopez said investigations would continue. Tinio confirmed that continuing investigations applied to the remaining cases, and she agreed. He said he expected the CHR report on disposition of the 140 cases through the Committee on Appropriations.

[00:37:23 · asr-000304](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000304) · [00:37:40 · asr-000309](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000309) · [00:37:50 · asr-000310](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000310) · [00:37:59 · asr-000312](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000312) · [00:38:29 · asr-000316](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000316) · [00:38:59 · asr-000329](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000329) · [00:40:03 · asr-000345](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000345) · [00:40:05 · asr-000346](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000346) · [00:40:14 · asr-000349](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000349) · [00:40:50 · asr-000360](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000360) · [00:40:58 · asr-000363](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000363) · [00:41:26 · asr-000369](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000369) · [00:41:45 · asr-000374](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000374)

### Rep. Arlene "Kaka" J. Bag-ao

Rep. Arlene "Kaka" J. Bag-ao asked what the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) intended to achieve before the Commission's term ended in 2029 and how its FY2027 budget aligned with a strategic plan whose milestones and work plan, she said, were not visible to human-rights organizations and others working with CHR. She attributed concerns about CHR performance and access to planning information to organizations and constituencies she had consulted. Sponsor Rep. Ma. Cristina Talavera Lopez said the Sixth Commission conducted strategic planning in 2023 and issued its strategic plan on November 29, 2023; a midterm assessment and updated strategic plan had since been approved and were due for cascading. She listed 2027 priorities including the Human Rights Protection Program, interagency partnerships, journalist-safety and media-freedom investigation protocols, expanded national monitoring, and the Protection sa Karapatang Pantao program and subprograms. Bag-ao asked for the strategic plan, a detailed FY2027 budget aligned to it, and work-plan documents to answer civil-society questions. Talavera Lopez agreed to provide the necessary documents and data; this exchange records the commitment, not later delivery.

Bag-ao asked whether CHR had sought funding for statutory duties under the anti-torture and anti-enforced-disappearance laws. Talavera Lopez said the Commission had requested funding for these unfunded laws for three consecutive years, and explained that it had provided position papers while carrying out its responsibilities. She listed the Commission's requests: PHP 15 million for the International Humanitarian Law Act (RA 9851); PHP 6 million for the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (RA 9262); PHP 11 million for the Mental Health Act (RA 11036); PHP 350,000 for the Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act (RA 11188); PHP 14 million for the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020; PHP 4 million for the Anti-Torture Act of 2009; PHP 6 million for the Anti-Enforced Disappearance Law of 2012; and PHP 6 million for the Magna Carta of Women. These were funding requests, not adopted allocations, and the sponsor did not specify a fiscal year for each line item. Bag-ao asked for milestones and documents so the requests and CHR's results could be assessed; Talavera Lopez committed to provide information, including by the following day. No appropriation decision is recorded in this round.

[00:44:12 · asr-000403](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000403) · [00:45:00 · asr-000413](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000413) · [00:45:37 · asr-000415](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000415) · [00:45:46 · asr-000416](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000416) · [00:46:08 · asr-000419](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000419) · [00:46:16 · asr-000420](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000420) · [00:46:19 · asr-000421](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000421) · [00:46:33 · asr-000422](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000422) · [00:46:46 · asr-000424](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000424) · [00:46:52 · asr-000426](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000426) · [00:47:13 · asr-000430](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000430) · [00:47:29 · asr-000433](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000433) · [00:48:27 · asr-000446](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000446) · [00:49:47 · asr-000461](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000461) · [00:51:00 · asr-000477](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000477) · [00:51:05 · asr-000478](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000478) · [00:51:54 · asr-000488](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000488) · [00:52:00 · asr-000489](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000489) · [00:52:38 · asr-000498](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000498) · [00:52:54 · asr-000501](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000501) · [00:52:55 · asr-000502](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000502) · [00:54:06 · asr-000517](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000517) · [00:54:14 · asr-000518](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000518) · [00:54:23 · asr-000519](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000519) · [00:54:27 · asr-000520](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000520) · [00:54:29 · asr-000521](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000521) · [00:54:36 · asr-000522](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000522) · [00:54:42 · asr-000523](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000523) · [00:54:51 · asr-000524](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000524) · [00:54:56 · asr-000525](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000525) · [00:54:59 · asr-000526](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000526) · [00:55:05 · asr-000527](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000527) · [00:55:08 · asr-000528](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000528) · [00:56:38 · asr-000540](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000540) · [00:56:45 · asr-000541](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000541) · [00:57:00 · asr-000544](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000544)

### Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago

Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago asked Rep. Ma. Cristina Talavera Lopez, sponsor for the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), how much funding was allocated to the Child Rights Center. Talavera Lopez said the Center's funding was lumped into a PHP 79 million policy program for human-rights policy formulation and advocacy, plans and programs, and monitoring implementation of international human-rights commitments. The answer gave the aggregate program amount, not a separate Child Rights Center total.

Elago questioned the HRVVMC reduction and lack of capital outlay described in the budget summary, asking about the status of its construction work. Talavera Lopez confirmed there was no FY2027 capital outlay, compared with some in the prior year. Elago requested the details for her office; no project update or further explanation for the overall reduction was provided.

Elago said the Marawi Victims Compensation Board would have zero funding in FY2027 and urged support for the Board and other bodies serving stakeholders affected by the Marawi siege. This was her statement about the proposed next-year funding; no appropriation outcome was discussed.

Elago cited a CHR report calling for urgent action on child-protection gaps in Bahay Pag-asa facilities, including issues with implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, violence during apprehension, ill-treatment by facility personnel and facilities designed more like jails than safe spaces. She also referred to reports by the Children's Legal Rights and Development Center about torture and abuse of children in Bahay Pag-asa and other facilities. Asked whether relevant agencies had responded or whether a detailed situation report had been issued, Talavera Lopez said the matters had been presented at a government-agency forum the previous Tuesday. Elago asked whether the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) attended; Talavera Lopez answered yes and also named the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The exchange records the forum and agency attendance, not resolution of the reported cases.

Elago asked for an update on CHR's independent investigation into reported irregularities in the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) persons-deprived-of-liberty (PDL) trust fund and how Congress could support the probe through oversight. Talavera Lopez said the investigation was ongoing and that PDLs had raised allegations about irregularities in the handling, accounting and release of funds. Elago cited a reported PHP 6 million missing, supported an independent probe and called for accountability, recovery of the funds and safeguards against recurrence. The missing amount and alleged irregularities were not presented as established findings, and the investigation was not reported as complete.

Elago asked whether the CHR had assessed or visited internally displaced people still living in temporary shelter after the Marawi siege and how agencies were being informed of their needs. Talavera Lopez reported that the CHR had provided PHP 7.1 million in financial assistance to 2,372 claimants, issued a human-rights advisory and continued monitoring compliance. She said the Commission planned to return to Marawi in November for dialogue with residents, had written to the housing department about operationalizing the Marawi Compensation Board, and had provided recommendations and technical assistance to its secretariat. In response to Elago's request for community consultation, Talavera Lopez announced a November 17 multi-stakeholder forum on housing and land-property rights, including the Marawi Board. These were reported assistance and planned follow-up, not a claim that displacement or housing needs had been resolved.

Elago asked whether the CHR had assessed its role in protecting the right to adequate housing and against unjust demolition, whether it had reported on demolition protocols, and whether stronger powers were needed. Talavera Lopez said the Commission had issued a resolution and remained part of the pre-demolition board. Elago said she would await the meeting's outcome and a copy of the resolution, and again requested an evaluation of gaps. She also urged Congress to strengthen the CHR as the National Human Rights Institution and advance human-rights-defender protections and a National Preventive Mechanism related to the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture. In closing, she said the CHR had not yet provided her office a report concerning Marikina women's complaints of threatening, harassing or intimidating presence in their area, and urged the Commission to send it promptly.

[01:00:46 · asr-000565](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000565) · [01:02:16 · asr-000575](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000575) · [01:03:07 · asr-000583](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000583) · [01:03:48 · asr-000592](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000592) · [01:10:23 · asr-000648](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000648) · [00:57:40 · asr-000550](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000550) · [00:58:38 · asr-000553](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000553) · [00:59:10 · asr-000556](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000556) · [00:59:42 · asr-000559](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000559) · [01:00:15 · asr-000563](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000563) · [01:00:24 · asr-000564](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000564) · [01:04:26 · asr-000596](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000596) · [01:04:57 · asr-000599](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000599) · [01:05:02 · asr-000600](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000600) · [01:05:39 · asr-000603](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000603) · [01:06:12 · asr-000608](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000608) · [01:07:21 · asr-000618](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000618) · [01:07:30 · asr-000619](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000619) · [01:07:44 · asr-000622](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000622) · [01:07:53 · asr-000623](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000623) · [01:09:02 · asr-000634](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000634) · [01:09:52 · asr-000642](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000642) · [01:10:02 · asr-000643](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000643) · [01:11:00 · asr-000653](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000653) · [01:11:52 · asr-000658](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000658) · [01:12:00 · asr-000659](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000659) · [01:12:10 · asr-000661](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000661) · [01:12:16 · asr-000662](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000662) · [01:13:10 · asr-000671](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000671) · [01:13:30 · asr-000673](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000673) · [01:13:53 · asr-000675](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000675)

### Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula

Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula asked how the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Human Rights Protection Program serves ordinary people, including Moro and Indigenous communities. Sponsor Rep. Ma. Cristina Talavera Lopez described the Human Rights Protection Service as the operational arm that investigates complaints, manages cases and provides direct intervention, including legal aid and counseling, forensic and medical-legal services, financial assistance and witness protection. People can approach the commission in person or at one of its 17 regional offices, through Facebook, its online portal, hotlines, email or letters; the CHR may also initiate investigations motu proprio. Lopez said there is no formal complaint requirement and that clients who come to the commission are addressed promptly, but confirmed there is no set timeline.

Ismula then cited 2025 targets of 90% for resolving human-rights cases and 95% for final disposition within the prescribed period, against accomplishments of 13.90% and 53.30%. Lopez said the first calculation included backlog cases from 1987 through 2024, while the resolution rate for new 2025 cases was 86.67%. She attributed the lower final-disposition rate in part to cases received in the final quarter still being investigated, a high volume of walk-ins and personnel shortages; Ismula summarized that explanation and Lopez agreed.

Ismula relayed questions from Senior Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Leila de Lima, citing the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index: the Philippines' overall rank improved from 99th of 142 countries in 2024 to 97th of 143 in 2025, while fundamental rights ranked 118th, civil justice declined from 98th to 106th and criminal justice improved from 124th to 119th. These rankings were cited by Ismula in relaying De Lima's questions. Lopez described the CHR's national protection mechanism as a framework for prevention, protection and response, stronger coordination and data use, and inclusion through gender-and-development principles. She said it was intended to address delayed responses, weak interagency coordination, limited integration of data and uneven regional access to services. Asked whether funding was sufficient, she said it was not, and referenced continuing advocacy for human-rights laws and other measures.

Lopez said the CHR's FY2027 protection allocation was PHP95 million, insufficient to expand or create programs and cover the needs of 17 regional offices, including vehicles, fuel and investigation costs. In response to Ismula's question about resources for access to justice and human-rights protection, Lopez said an additional PHP13 million was needed to establish and strengthen the national protection mechanism for human-rights defenders, including Bantay Karapatang Pantao, Kalinga Karapatang Pantao and Tugon Karapatang Pantao. Ismula concluded that funding remained a problem and urged the chamber to consider strengthening the CHR budget; no adoption or approval of the additional request was recorded in this exchange.

[01:14:38 · asr-000684](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000684) · [01:14:48 · asr-000685](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000685) · [01:15:07 · asr-000686](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000686) · [01:15:22 · asr-000688](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000688) · [01:15:52 · asr-000690](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000690) · [01:16:05 · asr-000691](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000691) · [01:16:11 · asr-000692](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000692) · [01:16:13 · asr-000693](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000693) · [01:16:18 · asr-000694](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000694) · [01:16:20 · asr-000695](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000695) · [01:16:22 · asr-000696](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000696) · [01:16:29 · asr-000697](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000697) · [01:16:57 · asr-000703](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000703) · [01:17:05 · asr-000705](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000705) · [01:17:13 · asr-000706](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000706) · [01:17:22 · asr-000708](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000708) · [01:17:25 · asr-000709](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000709) · [01:17:27 · asr-000711](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000711) · [01:17:36 · asr-000712](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000712) · [01:17:41 · asr-000713](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000713) · [01:17:52 · asr-000714](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000714) · [01:18:04 · asr-000715](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000715) · [01:18:14 · asr-000716](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000716) · [01:18:22 · asr-000718](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000718) · [01:18:29 · asr-000719](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000719) · [01:18:39 · asr-000720](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000720) · [01:18:54 · asr-000722](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000722) · [01:19:09 · asr-000725](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000725) · [01:19:14 · asr-000726](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000726) · [01:19:29 · asr-000730](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000730) · [01:19:44 · asr-000732](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000732) · [01:19:58 · asr-000736](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000736) · [01:20:22 · asr-000740](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000740) · [01:20:35 · asr-000742](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000742) · [01:20:52 · asr-000745](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000745) · [01:20:59 · asr-000746](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000746) · [01:21:22 · asr-000750](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000750) · [01:21:29 · asr-000751](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000751) · [01:21:38 · asr-000752](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000752) · [01:21:52 · asr-000754](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000754) · [01:22:08 · asr-000755](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000755) · [01:22:28 · asr-000756](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000756) · [01:22:38 · asr-000757](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000757) · [01:22:53 · asr-000758](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000758) · [01:23:08 · asr-000760](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000760) · [01:23:16 · asr-000761](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000761) · [01:23:30 · asr-000762](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000762) · [01:23:38 · asr-000764](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000764) · [01:23:48 · asr-000765](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000765) · [01:24:08 · asr-000766](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000766) · [01:24:27 · asr-000769](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000769) · [01:24:38 · asr-000770](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000770) · [01:24:40 · asr-000771](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000771) · [01:24:54 · asr-000772](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000772) · [01:25:08 · asr-000773](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000773) · [01:25:13 · asr-000774](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000774) · [01:25:30 · asr-000775](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000775)

### Rep. Renee Louise M. Co

Rep. Renee Louise M. Co asked Rep. Ma. Cristina Talavera Lopez, sponsor for the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), about the Commission's program against red-tagging. Co said the program had no specific budget line yet and was still to be designed, with funding expected to come from the Human Rights Protection Program. Talavera Lopez confirmed this and agreed that a directly funded line item could be beneficial and that the CHR could consider one in the future. Co welcomed the response and urged program design and support for prevention and response mechanisms. The exchange concerned a future design and funding request, not an existing itemized appropriation or adopted increase.

Co listed complaints filed with the CHR by activist groups and individuals, including complaints involving a BPO Employees Network member in Cebu, a student leader from SLSU, mass arrests during the 2026 State of the Nation Address, a Gabriela Women's Party chapter in Marikina, civil-rights organizations in Ilocos and Southern Tagalog, and a UST student leader. She asked for the status of the cases and requested a written report. Talavera Lopez agreed to submit a report and updates. Co said the cases involved alleged red-tagging and other human-rights violations, surveillance, harassment and police violence, and requested a written status update as of date. No case-specific dispositions were given in this exchange.

Co asked for the status of the permanent Martial Law Museum project under the Human Rights Violations Victim Memorial Commission (HRVVMC). Talavera Lopez said the original agreed site within the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman was unavailable; UP had proposed an alternative, but its Office of the Vice President for Development had not yet submitted technical documents requested by HRVVMC to assess it. Co confirmed that the original site was no longer available and that no alternative had been finalized; Talavera Lopez agreed. Co asked whether the project budget might have to be returned to the Treasury while awaiting a site. Talavera Lopez said the funds were in a trust fund and secured. No target completion date was available because the project remained dependent on UP. Talavera Lopez said HRVVMC would work closely with UP toward an immediate resolution of the museum site and continue efforts to establish the museum. Co distinguished this permanent installation from the separate temporary Freedom Memorial Museum Gallery, and Talavera Lopez confirmed they were different projects.

Co asked about the separate temporary Freedom Memorial Museum Gallery's intended visitor volume and evaluation. Talavera Lopez reported client-feedback satisfaction ratings of 99.5 in 2024 and 100% in 2025. When Co asked how many people had visited and for monthly visitor data, Talavera Lopez promised to provide the data and said the gallery had reached more than 300 clients in 2026. Co also asked about recent visits and tours guided by martial-law victims and whether there was substantive feedback. Talavera Lopez said the feedback was still being collated. The satisfaction figures describe feedback ratings, not visitor counts; visitor data and substantive feedback remained promised or in progress.

Co said that at the proper time she would move to amend the budget to restore cuts and ensure sufficient funding for human-rights protection and education, safeguards against red-tagging, torture and other abuses by state forces, and completion and operation of the permanent Martial Law Museum. She also advocated support for CHR programs and national and regional operations, including visits to detention centers and monitoring whether Bahay Pag-asa facilities meet legal standards. This was a prospective amendment proposal and expression of support; no amount, motion disposition or adopted restoration was recorded in the exchange.

[01:26:53 · asr-000789](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000789) · [01:26:56 · asr-000790](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000790) · [01:27:55 · asr-000800](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000800) · [01:28:23 · asr-000804](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000804) · [01:28:37 · asr-000809](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000809) · [01:30:08 · asr-000824](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000824) · [01:30:19 · asr-000830](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000830) · [01:31:12 · asr-000856](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000856) · [01:32:00 · asr-000880](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000880) · [01:32:18 · asr-000888](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000888) · [01:32:52 · asr-000906](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000906) · [01:33:07 · asr-000913](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000913) · [01:33:48 · asr-000933](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000933) · [01:33:55 · asr-000937](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000937) · [01:34:13 · asr-000946](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000946) · [01:34:39 · asr-000959](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000959) · [01:35:53 · asr-000996](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-000996) · [01:36:34 · asr-001017](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001017) · [01:36:37 · asr-001018](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001018) · [01:36:41 · asr-001020](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001020) · [01:37:15 · asr-001035](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001035) · [01:37:16 · asr-001036](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001036) · [01:37:28 · asr-001042](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001042) · [01:37:31 · asr-001043](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001043) · [01:37:51 · asr-001053](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001053) · [01:37:55 · asr-001055](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001055) · [01:37:59 · asr-001057](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001057) · [01:38:03 · asr-001059](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001059) · [01:38:17 · asr-001066](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001066) · [01:38:23 · asr-001069](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001069) · [01:38:28 · asr-001072](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001072) · [01:38:34 · asr-001075](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001075) · [01:38:48 · asr-001082](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001082) · [01:39:39 · asr-001107](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001107) · [01:39:58 · asr-001117](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001117) · [01:40:10 · asr-001123](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001123)

## Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)

### Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)

Poe said DICT's FY2025 obligation rate was 61.7%, leaving approximately PHP 9.16 billion in unused appropriations. For the ICT Systems and Information Infrastructure Program, obligation was 43.5% and disbursement was 22.6%. He said budget performance should be measured by delivery as well as appropriations.

Poe reported 3,026 kilometers laid for the National Fiber Backbone, with 59 of 136 backbone nodes activated. DICT reported 29,091 active free Wi-Fi points across 11,836 locations as of July 2026; Poe corrected his initial location count in the same statement. The eGov PH application had surpassed 61 million downloads and 56 million verified accounts; eGov DX had processed more than 1.2 billion transactions and integrated over 1,300 government e-services. National Security Operations Center coverage had grown from 10 government agencies in 2022 to 99 as of August 2026, monitoring approximately 6.7 billion security alerts. Poe paired these reported outputs with concerns about continuing shortcomings in cybersecurity, combating fake news, digital safety and governance, and argued for increased funding where critically necessary. He emphasized that budget performance should be measured by delivery as well as appropriations. The presentation records these claims and argument, not an increase decision.

[01:56:48 · asr-001265](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001265) · [01:57:09 · asr-001266](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001266) · [01:57:18 · asr-001267](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001267) · [01:56:00 · asr-001235](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001235) · [01:56:10 · asr-001245](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001245) · [01:56:19 · asr-001255](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001255) · [01:56:30 · asr-001264](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001264) · [01:57:27 · asr-001268](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001268) · [01:57:41 · asr-001269](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001269) · [01:57:48 · asr-001273](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001273) · [01:57:57 · asr-001274](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001274)

### Rep. Roberto Nazal

Rep. Roberto Nazal asked whether the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) was delivering on its whole-of-government digitalization and interoperability mandate, and whether common cloud, bandwidth, systems and subscriptions were being duplicated. Sponsor Rep. Brian Poe described FY2027 integration targets across government agencies and said DICT was developing inventory and portfolio mechanisms to measure common ICT needs. He said current submissions did not establish government-wide average and peak utilization against contracted cloud capacity, and committed to build a baseline. The 30% savings figure discussed earlier was a potential cost-avoidance estimate from eliminating duplicated systems and subscriptions, not realized savings; when Nazal asked for savings to date, Poe said DICT had no set number yet. Poe then estimated PHP15 billion in savings for FY2027 from removing duplications, while describing it as an estimate. He confirmed DICT was using AI to monitor systems.

Nazal recalled a 9% obligation rate, which Poe said had risen to 27%. Poe agreed that 27% remained low and attributed it to procurement delays, technical complexity, late fund releases, limited specialized manpower and two failed biddings on the Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project (PDIP). The sponsor later said the rate was 35% as of the hearing and that DICT was targeting 90% completion by December, while acknowledging this depended on the rate continuing to improve. Asked whether DBM was the main cause of delay, Poe said it was not solely a DBM issue: major project awards were expected within the quarter, and the approximately PHP4 billion PDIP, continuing from 2025 to 2026, had a failed bidding and was proceeding in October.

Nazal cited DICT's accounts payable of about PHP1.29 billion as of August 31, including PHP1.049 billion in valid, supported obligations from 2024 and 2025 that were due and demandable. Poe confirmed the PHP1.049 billion payable and said the requirements for additional Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) funding were complete and awaiting approval; Poe said the documents were submitted in the third quarter and that delays also involved compiling supplier requirements. He committed that the outstanding balance should be settled within the year and that DICT would improve procurement and documentation processes. Poe also said 90% of DBM cash already downloaded had been used.

Poe said the Free Wi-Fi earmarked fund was 61% utilized. Nazal questioned how 12 E-Gov PH systems could be temporarily disabled when earmarked revenue existed. Poe attributed the outage to cloud services running out of credits after a 700% usage surge, with systems down for five hours on the first day and six on the second. He said earmarked funds were not automatically available for cloud-data expenses and that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) would decide whether the Universal Service Fund (USF) could be used. Poe cited about PHP949 million for e-government/data services and said the program funding request was PHP1.8 billion; he also said additional resources were needed for redundancies and emergency systems. Nazal also asked about local hosting: Poe said DICT aimed to localize 20% of critical government data by year-end, had one data center operating in Subic, and hoped to localize all government data by 2028. He projected PHP8 billion in costs to localize everything, based on feasibility studies.

[01:59:16 · asr-001286](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001286) · [01:59:46 · asr-001291](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001291) · [01:59:52 · asr-001292](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001292) · [02:00:00 · asr-001294](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001294) · [02:00:11 · asr-001295](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001295) · [02:00:24 · asr-001296](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001296) · [02:00:44 · asr-001298](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001298) · [02:01:06 · asr-001300](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001300) · [02:01:16 · asr-001301](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001301) · [02:01:54 · asr-001307](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001307) · [02:01:59 · asr-001308](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001308) · [02:02:10 · asr-001309](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001309) · [02:02:18 · asr-001310](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001310) · [02:02:24 · asr-001312](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001312) · [02:02:36 · asr-001314](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001314) · [02:02:42 · asr-001315](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001315) · [02:02:45 · asr-001316](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001316) · [02:02:54 · asr-001318](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001318) · [02:03:42 · asr-001328](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001328) · [02:03:56 · asr-001334](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001334) · [02:04:01 · asr-001335](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001335) · [02:04:09 · asr-001336](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001336) · [02:04:43 · asr-001346](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001346) · [02:04:47 · asr-001347](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001347) · [02:04:53 · asr-001348](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001348) · [02:04:53 · asr-001349](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001349) · [02:04:56 · asr-001350](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001350) · [02:05:05 · asr-001352](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001352) · [02:05:21 · asr-001356](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001356) · [02:05:29 · asr-001357](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001357) · [02:05:36 · asr-001359](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001359) · [02:06:00 · asr-001365](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001365) · [02:06:15 · asr-001370](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001370) · [02:06:24 · asr-001373](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001373) · [02:06:27 · asr-001374](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001374) · [02:06:35 · asr-001376](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001376) · [02:06:45 · asr-001378](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001378) · [02:06:56 · asr-001381](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001381) · [02:07:09 · asr-001383](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001383) · [02:07:21 · asr-001384](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001384) · [02:08:06 · asr-001392](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001392) · [02:08:13 · asr-001395](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001395) · [02:08:30 · asr-001403](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001403) · [02:08:51 · asr-001409](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001409) · [02:09:10 · asr-001412](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001412) · [02:10:14 · asr-001426](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001426) · [02:10:20 · asr-001427](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001427) · [02:10:26 · asr-001430](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001430) · [02:10:28 · asr-001431](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001431) · [02:10:32 · asr-001432](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001432) · [02:10:40 · asr-001434](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001434) · [02:11:10 · asr-001444](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001444) · [02:11:16 · asr-001445](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001445) · [02:11:21 · asr-001446](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001446) · [02:11:26 · asr-001447](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001447) · [02:11:51 · asr-001452](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001452) · [02:12:07 · asr-001454](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001454) · [02:12:54 · asr-001462](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001462) · [02:13:01 · asr-001463](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001463) · [02:13:48 · asr-001481](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001481) · [02:13:57 · asr-001482](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001482) · [02:14:06 · asr-001484](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001484) · [02:14:48 · asr-001494](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001494) · [02:15:00 · asr-001496](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001496) · [02:15:41 · asr-001502](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001502) · [02:16:58 · asr-001515](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001515) · [02:17:11 · asr-001516](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001516) · [02:17:19 · asr-001517](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001517) · [02:17:24 · asr-001518](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001518) · [02:18:37 · asr-001533](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001533) · [02:18:58 · asr-001537](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001537) · [02:19:05 · asr-001538](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001538) · [02:19:10 · asr-001539](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001539) · [02:19:49 · asr-001551](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001551) · [02:20:10 · asr-001555](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001555) · [02:20:59 · asr-001563](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001563) · [02:21:28 · asr-001569](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001569) · [02:22:20 · asr-001580](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001580) · [02:22:34 · asr-001583](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001583) · [02:22:41 · asr-001584](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001584) · [02:23:02 · asr-001589](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001589) · [02:23:21 · asr-001592](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001592) · [02:23:33 · asr-001597](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001597) · [02:23:35 · asr-001598](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001598) · [02:23:41 · asr-001599](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001599) · [02:24:00 · asr-001604](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001604) · [02:24:10 · asr-001605](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001605) · [02:24:27 · asr-001610](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001610) · [02:24:36 · asr-001611](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001611) · [02:24:39 · asr-001612](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001612) · [02:24:45 · asr-001613](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001613) · [02:25:09 · asr-001619](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001619) · [02:25:34 · asr-001623](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001623) · [02:25:46 · asr-001625](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001625) · [02:25:48 · asr-001626](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001626) · [02:25:57 · asr-001628](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001628) · [02:26:05 · asr-001629](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001629)

### Rep. Renee Louise M. Co

Rep. Renee Louise M. Co said DICT's FY2027 NEP provides for operation and maintenance of more than 16,000 free Wi-Fi locations established in 2026, while DICT sought an additional PHP 3 billion to maintain existing school sites and a separate Tier 2 request of more than PHP 10 billion to expand service to other priority public-service locations.

Sponsor Rep. Brian Poe confirmed that the PHP 3 billion had not been granted. He said the continuing Spectrum User Fee (SUF) appropriation was expected to support free Wi-Fi, but the additional PHP 3 billion would need a General Appropriations Act (GAA) allocation or, absent one, a Department of Budget and Management (DBM) release from SUF. He explained that expansion, including coverage for state universities and colleges (SUCs), required additional funding; he described the school connection commitment at the Department of Education (DepEd) level as covering elementary schools. Co said she would move at the appropriate time to amend the GAB for continued school connectivity; no amendment or appropriation was adopted in this exchange.

Asked how much SUF could support continuing connectivity, Poe said its balance as of June 2026 was PHP 22,303,304,367.28; the amount was stated across four turns. He said DICT had advised that SUF could also be used for expansion, subject to DBM's final say on release. As an illustration, he said expansion could raise yearly costs to PHP 10 billion, leaving the current SUF balance sufficient for only about two years of maintenance, so the fund had to be balanced between expansion and maintaining existing sites. He said maintenance under SUF was a definite commitment and that Congress would need to provide additional funds for expansion.

In response to Co's question about current maintenance cost, Poe gave an investment cost of PHP 22.5 per connected beneficiary per month, not an annual aggregate maintenance total. Co's proposal to amend the GAB remained a proposed future motion.

In discussing localization of eGov data, Poe said the commitment was to move toward localization by 2028 and that DICT's conservative estimate was another PHP 8 billion to reach the target. He separately said PHP 9 billion had been allocated over eight years for data storage.

He offered a historical appropriation breakdown whose stated total was inconsistent with his approximate PHP 9 billion claim. Poe said the FY2027 NEP provided PHP 949 million and offered to submit the breakdown to Co. These figures were discussed as proposed/previous data-center funding and a future localization need, not as newly approved funding in this exchange.

Co asked why public schools in Region V had more unconnected locations and whether access was technically harder there. Poe said he understood the issue mainly as DepEd prioritization, not necessarily technical difficulty. Co cited 70 target locations in Region V compared with 38 in the next region, Negros Island Region (NIR).

Poe said DICT had connected 11,000 of DepEd's 45,000 target schools; some other locations were reportedly connected previously but had lost service, while others still requested connections. He characterized DepEd's reported connectivity as 99.39% 'on paper' and asked members to provide lists of unconnected schools or those that had lost service so DICT could work to connect or reconnect them. Co said she would submit information and requests she had gathered. The percentage was presented as a reported figure, not independently verified coverage.

Co asked how Project Uplift's artificial-intelligence upskilling courses for business-process-outsourcing employees were structured, including course duration, assessment and how skills would be measured, citing concern that training might amount to a single PowerPoint. After conferring, Poe said the courses were available through the Digital Workforce Hub, released September 9, with follow-up capacity-building activities; he said DICT intended to build capacity rather than create a certificate mill but acknowledged the program was new and its success remained to be seen. 

Co requested the implementation framework and asked whether upskilling would translate into promotion or higher pay, while noting those employment outcomes might be more properly addressed by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Poe distinguished DICT's capacity-building mandate from immediate employment, said employability should remain a priority, and committed to provide the framework. He also said DICT would enroll Co's interested constituents in capacity-building activities so she could evaluate them. Co noted that enterprise-specific slots might require regional coordination and raised workers' concern that artificial-intelligence integration could lead to retrenchment; she said she would await the department's submission.

Co referred to 54 million registered eGov PH users and asked how many were unique Filipino users, including how many foreign travelers had downloaded the app. Poe relayed DICT's claim that 3 to 4 percent of active users were foreigners, and guaranteed the accounts were unique, citing government-ID verification.

Asked which services users accessed and how frequently, Poe listed National ID, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, e-travel, clearances, permits, social services and the health desk. Co requested a report with service-use breakdowns and percentages of registered Filipino users using the services; Poe committed that the agency would submit percentages. The registration counts and active-user percentages used different measures.

Co asked where eGov PH data was hosted. Poe said Singapore and the United States, confirmed DICT used cloud services, and initially answered that the app held six terabytes. Co raised the sensitivity of personal data hosted outside the Philippines and urged local hosting, noting that public assurances did not eliminate data-breach risk. Poe corrected his answer to 60 terabytes, agreed that localization was required under the eGov law, and cited 2028 as the target commitment. The six-terabyte answer is retained as an initial answer corrected in the exchange; no independent verification of the location, volume or target is implied.

[02:32:28 · asr-001695](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001695) · [02:32:41 · asr-001696](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001696) · [02:32:52 · asr-001697](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001697) · [02:32:58 · asr-001698](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001698) · [02:33:09 · asr-001703](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001703) · [02:33:11 · asr-001705](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001705) · [02:33:24 · asr-001711](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001711) · [02:33:30 · asr-001714](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001714) · [02:33:48 · asr-001723](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001723) · [02:34:00 · asr-001729](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001729) · [02:39:31 · asr-001869](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001869) · [02:36:14 · asr-001787](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001787) · [02:36:30 · asr-001795](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001795) · [02:36:31 · asr-001796](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001796) · [02:36:35 · asr-001798](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001798) · [02:36:37 · asr-001799](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001799) · [02:36:39 · asr-001800](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001800) · [02:36:43 · asr-001801](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001801) · [02:37:26 · asr-001823](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001823) · [02:37:39 · asr-001829](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001829) · [02:37:43 · asr-001831](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001831) · [02:38:11 · asr-001845](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001845) · [02:38:55 · asr-001867](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001867) · [02:51:23 · asr-001986](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001986) · [02:51:26 · asr-001987](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001987) · [02:51:34 · asr-001989](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001989) · [02:51:39 · asr-001990](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001990) · [02:52:24 · asr-002000](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002000) · [02:29:16 · asr-001659](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001659) · [02:29:39 · asr-001662](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001662) · [02:30:00 · asr-001665](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001665) · [02:30:16 · asr-001666](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001666) · [02:30:46 · asr-001668](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001668) · [02:31:36 · asr-001676](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001676) · [02:31:48 · asr-001678](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001678) · [02:31:57 · asr-001690](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001690) · [02:32:12 · asr-001693](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001693) · [02:40:45 · asr-001873](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001873) · [02:41:41 · asr-001876](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001876) · [02:42:45 · asr-001882](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001882) · [02:42:54 · asr-001885](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001885) · [02:43:15 · asr-001890](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001890) · [02:43:21 · asr-001892](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001892) · [02:43:56 · asr-001898](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001898) · [02:44:20 · asr-001905](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001905) · [02:44:30 · asr-001907](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001907) · [02:44:50 · asr-001910](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001910) · [02:45:23 · asr-001916](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001916) · [02:45:56 · asr-001921](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001921) · [02:46:05 · asr-001922](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001922) · [02:46:15 · asr-001924](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001924) · [02:46:53 · asr-001929](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001929) · [02:47:16 · asr-001933](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001933) · [02:47:23 · asr-001936](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001936) · [02:48:42 · asr-001951](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001951) · [02:48:53 · asr-001953](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001953) · [02:48:59 · asr-001954](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001954) · [02:49:19 · asr-001958](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001958) · [02:49:36 · asr-001961](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001961) · [02:49:49 · asr-001964](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001964) · [02:50:12 · asr-001968](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001968) · [02:50:29 · asr-001972](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001972) · [02:51:11 · asr-001982](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-001982)

### Rep. Antonio L. Tinio

Rep. Antonio L. Tinio questioned why the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) placed its major programs, including the National Government Data Center (NGDC) Infrastructure Program, at the central-office level and described the program appropriations as lump sums. He cited the FY2027 proposed NGDC appropriation of PHP 949.49 million, comprising PHP 806 million in maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) and PHP 143.4 million in capital outlay.

Sponsor Rep. Brian Poe said DICT's budget had been centralized in the Secretary's office for years, and that DICT and the Department of Budget and Management were taking steps toward decentralization so that 90% would not continue to be allocated to the Secretary's office. He attributed the pattern to history and regional-office capacity, including technical capability and staffing needs.

At Tinio's request for a program breakdown, Poe listed FY2027 NGDC-related amounts: PHP 78.126 million for e-government data-center operations in Subic; PHP 203.861 million for e-government colocation services in the Philippines; PHP 490.557 million in MOOE and PHP 143.495 million in capital outlay for e-government cloud hosting abroad, a stated total of PHP 634.052 million; and PHP 33.458 million MOOE for project-management operations. These separately stated categories and totals are reported as given and are not arithmetically reconciled here.

Tinio said the material supplied by DICT described a 2016–2026 project list, but the submission contained 72 entries while the document was described as 73 projects and skipped item 70. Poe confirmed the skipped number and said he was unsure why and was checking with DICT. Tinio said the 72 submitted entries for FY2016–2026 totaled PHP 4.98 billion.

In his analysis, about 75% went to rental and about 25% to actual construction; he said cloud and managed-services spending had grown to PHP 734 million in FY2023, PHP 809 million in FY2024, and PHP 226 million in FY2025. Poe agreed cloud was the largest NGDC spending category.

Poe said urgent storage needs drove cloud procurement first: building local data centers required more time, funding and staff. He supported additional funding for Philippine infrastructure to strengthen data sovereignty.

Tinio identified a PHP 130 million project in 2017 and PHP 699 million for the Subic data center in 2024; Poe confirmed the latter. Poe said Subic stored critical government data and estimated that it held 20% of such data.

They discussed colocation as renting rack or facility space, with agencies bringing their own servers; Poe also said some sites include computing services. Tinio cited PHP 1.28 billion across 33 colocation contracts over the period he reviewed, including 18 contracts with ePLDT Incorporated from 2020 to 2022. Later, he characterized PHP 1.2 billion as payment for space; the two figures are retained as stated without reconciliation.

Tinio asked what was housed in the rented sites and why the budget showed no corresponding spending on servers or networking equipment. Poe said the facilities were used by 34 agencies, some sites supplied computing services and others housed agencies' own servers, and DICT arranged Philippine facilities meeting redundancy, energy and temperature requirements to house critical government information. Tinio closed by saying the question of how and by whom the colocation service was used had not been directly answered; the sponsor's account of agency use and full utilization remains his response.

Tinio said 12 cloud-services contracts accounted for 49.3% of the NGDC program's more than PHP 4 billion in procurement during FY2016–2025, or PHP 2.45 billion. He questioned the use of local third-party vendors for international cloud services and cited a PHP 372 million third-party contract in 2016. Poe said local vendors provide accountable counterparts if a data breach occurs and that DICT could not contract directly with international entities.

Tinio contrasted this with a PHP 165 million 2022 Amazon Web Services subscription and maintenance contract directly with Amazon. Poe acknowledged prior direct contracting and said a legal issue preceded the localized system. Tinio accepted that explanation for the vendors but said his questions about the large colocation spend and its users remained.

[02:54:23 · asr-002018](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002018) · [02:54:58 · asr-002025](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002025) · [02:55:09 · asr-002027](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002027) · [02:55:26 · asr-002030](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002030) · [02:55:36 · asr-002031](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002031) · [02:56:07 · asr-002038](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002038) · [02:56:16 · asr-002040](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002040) · [02:56:50 · asr-002058](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002058) · [02:56:52 · asr-002059](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002059) · [02:56:56 · asr-002061](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002061) · [02:56:57 · asr-002062](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002062) · [02:57:00 · asr-002063](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002063) · [02:57:02 · asr-002064](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002064) · [02:57:04 · asr-002065](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002065) · [02:57:38 · asr-002082](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002082) · [02:58:54 · asr-002117](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002117) · [02:59:09 · asr-002121](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002121) · [02:59:13 · asr-002122](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002122) · [02:59:21 · asr-002126](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002126) · [02:59:22 · asr-002127](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002127) · [03:01:41 · asr-002184](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002184) · [03:02:01 · asr-002192](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002192) · [03:03:09 · asr-002215](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002215) · [03:03:20 · asr-002221](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002221) · [03:03:25 · asr-002223](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002223) · [03:03:44 · asr-002232](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002232) · [03:03:52 · asr-002233](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002233) · [03:04:05 · asr-002240](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002240) · [03:04:07 · asr-002241](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002241) · [03:04:12 · asr-002242](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002242) · [03:04:16 · asr-002243](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002243) · [03:06:32 · asr-002330](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002330) · [03:06:35 · asr-002332](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002332) · [03:06:38 · asr-002335](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002335) · [03:07:29 · asr-002367](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002367) · [03:07:35 · asr-002368](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002368) · [03:07:38 · asr-002369](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002369) · [03:08:03 · asr-002384](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002384) · [03:08:06 · asr-002386](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002386) · [03:08:30 · asr-002403](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002403) · [03:08:32 · asr-002405](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002405) · [03:09:13 · asr-002437](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002437) · [03:09:37 · asr-002448](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002448) · [03:09:38 · asr-002449](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002449) · [03:09:47 · asr-002453](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002453) · [03:09:48 · asr-002454](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002454) · [03:09:51 · asr-002455](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002455) · [03:10:10 · asr-002465](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002465) · [03:10:23 · asr-002472](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002472) · [03:10:30 · asr-002475](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002475) · [03:11:12 · asr-002495](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002495) · [03:12:05 · asr-002521](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002521) · [03:12:08 · asr-002523](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002523) · [03:12:55 · asr-002543](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002543) · [03:14:58 · asr-002596](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002596) · [03:15:00 · asr-002597](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002597) · [03:16:10 · asr-002630](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002630) · [03:16:12 · asr-002631](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002631) · [03:17:45 · asr-002704](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002704) · [03:17:50 · asr-002707](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002707) · [03:17:33 · asr-002695](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002695) · [03:17:42 · asr-002701](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002701) · [03:18:51 · asr-002747](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002747) · [03:18:53 · asr-002748](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002748) · [03:23:26 · asr-002891](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002891) · [03:23:33 · asr-002894](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002894) · [03:23:37 · asr-002897](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002897) · [03:17:23 · asr-002683](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002683) · [03:17:25 · asr-002684](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002684) · [03:17:27 · asr-002686](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002686) · [03:19:25 · asr-002763](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002763) · [03:19:40 · asr-002771](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002771) · [03:19:45 · asr-002774](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002774) · [03:19:47 · asr-002775](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002775) · [03:19:49 · asr-002776](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002776) · [03:21:04 · asr-002820](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002820) · [03:21:22 · asr-002828](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002828) · [03:21:38 · asr-002839](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002839) · [03:21:44 · asr-002844](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002844) · [03:21:49 · asr-002847](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002847) · [03:21:51 · asr-002849](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002849) · [03:21:55 · asr-002851](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002851) · [03:22:07 · asr-002856](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002856) · [03:22:11 · asr-002857](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002857) · [03:22:31 · asr-002862](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002862) · [03:22:39 · asr-002866](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002866) · [03:22:43 · asr-002868](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002868) · [03:23:20 · asr-002888](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002888) · [03:23:30 · asr-002893](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002893)

### Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago

Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago asked how the public could report online fraud and scams and find practical reporting instructions. Sponsor Rep. Brian Poe identified the 1326 hotline and a 24/7 action center at Studio 7 in the CICC-DICT office. Elago distinguished those response channels from public awareness about how to recognize and report scams. Poe said the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) promoted the hotline and ScamSafe verification platform through a Thursday 10 a.m. RTV segment, social-media pages and news outlets. Elago urged offline outreach and partnerships with local government units (LGUs), barangays, civil society, people's organizations and academia. Poe cited existing RTV partnership, in-house social media and roadshows with LGUs across 16 regions.

When Elago asked about funding for those public-information efforts, Poe said the current National Expenditure Program (NEP) had zero allocation for CICC information campaigns on this matter. Elago requested details of any proposed line items so online and offline information and education work could continue; Poe pointed to existing channels and partnerships, but no funded line item was identified in this exchange.

Elago cited recent media reports about technology-facilitated gender-based violence, including a large online forum sharing women's intimate images, reported global rape-academy activity and online forums offering rewards for non-consensual intimate content. She asked whether hotline and platform first responders had gender-sensitivity and first-aid training for these cases. Poe said the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) partnered with the CICC to provide proper training to first responders.

Elago urged broader gender-sensitive and gender-affirming input, including the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), and noted that men, boys and gender-diverse people may also be targets. Poe committed that the CICC would promptly reach out to the PCW for input. Elago also urged funding in 2027 for DICT and the National Privacy Commission (NPC) to support this work; no amount or approval was stated.

Elago asked about DICT and NPC positions on International Labour Organization Convention No. 193, which she described as addressing digital-platform workers, algorithmic transparency, automated monitoring and safeguards against discriminatory suspension or termination. She asked whether the agencies would support ratification, how they would consult platform operators and workers, and whether funding was available for convention-specific consultations. Poe said there was no internal policy on the matter and no funding to advance it. He distinguished those gaps from the agencies' existing general stakeholder consultations and capacity-building, which were not specific to the convention.

After Elago asked for a study with worker groups and other stakeholders, Poe said DICT and its attached agency committed to conduct the necessary study. The convention's identity and substance are reported as Elago described them in the exchange, without an external legal-status claim.

[03:24:56 · asr-002938](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002938) · [03:25:00 · asr-002940](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002940) · [03:25:28 · asr-002942](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002942) · [03:25:35 · asr-002943](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002943) · [03:25:38 · asr-002944](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002944) · [03:25:40 · asr-002945](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002945) · [03:25:56 · asr-002953](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002953) · [03:25:57 · asr-002954](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002954) · [03:25:58 · asr-002955](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002955) · [03:25:59 · asr-002956](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002956) · [03:26:08 · asr-002960](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002960) · [03:26:14 · asr-002962](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002962) · [03:26:17 · asr-002964](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002964) · [03:26:22 · asr-002966](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002966) · [03:26:25 · asr-002968](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002968) · [03:26:29 · asr-002970](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002970) · [03:26:31 · asr-002971](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002971) · [03:26:34 · asr-002972](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002972) · [03:26:38 · asr-002974](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002974) · [03:26:42 · asr-002976](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002976) · [03:26:52 · asr-002981](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-002981) · [03:27:40 · asr-003005](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003005) · [03:27:50 · asr-003010](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003010) · [03:27:51 · asr-003011](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003011) · [03:27:53 · asr-003012](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003012) · [03:27:55 · asr-003013](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003013) · [03:27:57 · asr-003014](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003014) · [03:28:44 · asr-003034](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003034) · [03:28:46 · asr-003035](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003035) · [03:28:48 · asr-003036](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003036) · [03:28:50 · asr-003037](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003037) · [03:28:52 · asr-003038](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003038) · [03:29:06 · asr-003045](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003045) · [03:29:12 · asr-003048](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003048) · [03:29:16 · asr-003050](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003050) · [03:29:30 · asr-003056](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003056) · [03:29:40 · asr-003061](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003061) · [03:29:48 · asr-003065](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003065) · [03:29:50 · asr-003066](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003066) · [03:29:54 · asr-003068](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003068) · [03:29:57 · asr-003069](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003069) · [03:29:58 · asr-003070](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003070) · [03:30:20 · asr-003079](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003079) · [03:30:28 · asr-003080](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003080) · [03:30:44 · asr-003081](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003081) · [03:30:58 · asr-003083](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003083) · [03:31:21 · asr-003085](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003085) · [03:31:28 · asr-003086](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003086) · [03:31:58 · asr-003088](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003088) · [03:32:04 · asr-003089](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003089) · [03:32:14 · asr-003091](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003091) · [03:32:28 · asr-003093](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003093) · [03:32:30 · asr-003094](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003094) · [03:32:47 · asr-003097](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003097) · [03:33:01 · asr-003100](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003100) · [03:33:07 · asr-003101](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003101) · [03:33:27 · asr-003106](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003106) · [03:33:34 · asr-003107](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003107) · [03:33:57 · asr-003110](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003110) · [03:34:01 · asr-003111](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003111) · [03:34:27 · asr-003114](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003114) · [03:34:36 · asr-003115](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003115) · [03:34:41 · asr-003116](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003116) · [03:34:49 · asr-003117](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003117) · [03:34:57 · asr-003118](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003118) · [03:35:13 · asr-003120](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003120) · [03:35:27 · asr-003122](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003122) · [03:35:33 · asr-003123](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003123) · [03:35:57 · asr-003124](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003124) · [03:36:11 · asr-003125](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003125) · [03:36:14 · asr-003126](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003126) · [03:36:20 · asr-003127](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003127) · [03:36:27 · asr-003129](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003129) · [03:36:30 · asr-003130](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003130) · [03:36:36 · asr-003131](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003131) · [03:36:54 · asr-003134](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003134) · [03:36:57 · asr-003135](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003135) · [03:37:04 · asr-003136](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003136) · [03:37:12 · asr-003137](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003137)

### Rep. Presley C. De Jesus

Rep. Presley C. De Jesus asked what the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) discussed with Meta in Singapore. Sponsor Rep. Brian Poe said officials went to explain the Philippine situation and were working toward a separate memorandum of agreement to address concerns including minors' exposure to harmful platform content.

De Jesus also asked about a February 2026 agreement concerning scams and fraud. Poe clarified that it was separate from the proposed MOA and said DICT and CICC had begun a technical working group with Meta the previous day. At that early stage, it was assigning roles and setting immediate targets; Poe said further action was expected as work proceeded.

De Jesus pressed whether Meta had a real Philippine office, a country manager and staff. Poe said the local presence was a marketing office, with only a handful of employees and no official country manager; he also said the government lacked jurisdiction over that office.

Poe said a corporate office in the Philippines and requiring national ID to create or maintain Meta accounts were being pursued in the working group, later calling them non-negotiables for accountability and user protection. He said Meta appeared open to the requirements and had cited comparable measures elsewhere, but the group had only just started and no implementation was reported. De Jesus said a local office and accountable management were what he wanted the company to provide.

Asked how the government was pursuing accountability, Poe showed documents submitted to the Office of the Solicitor General for possible use in building a case. He described a DICT-prepared draft civil complaint, supporting requests and evidence, the National Privacy Commission's (NPC) asserted regulatory jurisdiction over Meta's processing of personal data for AI-generated content, and a National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) legal position paper proposing a test case. These were presented as preparatory documents and possible cases, not as a filed complaint or court judgment.

De Jesus asked who would appear if the House summoned Meta. Poe said DICT had written directly to Mark Zuckerberg and received no response. Poe said he assumed Meta would send legal representation if the House pursued an investigation; that was his expectation, not a guarantee.

De Jesus said the concern was not the absence of initiatives but the lack of visibility into their results. He asked how DICT monitored implementation and measured outcomes. Poe described the agreements, coordination and documents, but De Jesus said the committee still lacked information on what anti-scam actions achieved and whether requested resources produced intended results. He moved to defer consideration until the department could present measurable deliverables.

Majority Leader Rep. Jonathan Keith T. Flores joined the minority's motion to defer interpellations on the DICT budget, including attached agencies. Deputy Speaker Janette L. Garin restated the motion, heard no objection and approved it; consideration of the DICT budget and attached agencies was deferred.

[03:38:32 · asr-003155](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003155) · [03:38:51 · asr-003160](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003160) · [03:39:05 · asr-003162](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003162) · [03:40:12 · asr-003175](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003175) · [03:40:27 · asr-003177](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003177) · [03:40:41 · asr-003179](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003179) · [03:40:59 · asr-003183](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003183) · [03:41:19 · asr-003187](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003187) · [03:41:27 · asr-003188](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003188) · [03:41:39 · asr-003190](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003190) · [03:42:05 · asr-003197](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003197) · [03:42:27 · asr-003203](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003203) · [03:42:55 · asr-003214](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003214) · [03:44:39 · asr-003241](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003241) · [03:44:50 · asr-003244](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003244) · [03:45:00 · asr-003247](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003247) · [03:45:10 · asr-003248](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003248) · [03:45:40 · asr-003250](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003250) · [03:46:03 · asr-003252](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003252) · [03:46:23 · asr-003255](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003255) · [03:47:09 · asr-003260](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003260) · [03:47:25 · asr-003262](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003262) · [03:48:04 · asr-003268](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003268) · [03:48:34 · asr-003276](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003276) · [03:48:47 · asr-003278](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003278) · [03:49:50 · asr-003298](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003298) · [03:50:06 · asr-003301](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003301) · [03:50:27 · asr-003305](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003305) · [03:51:00 · asr-003312](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003312) · [03:51:29 · asr-003318](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003318) · [03:51:47 · asr-003322](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003322) · [03:52:43 · asr-003334](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003334)

## Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)

### Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)

Angara said the Labor Attorney's Office and NALJ were intended to provide focused free legal assistance to workers, citing the volume of cases handled by the Public Attorney's Office (PAO). He said the initiative was intended to begin in 2026 and continue through 2027, extending support beyond Metro Manila to workers across the country. He described it as a source of social protection and assistance when workers need it.

[04:03:54 · asr-003410](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003410) · [04:04:29 · asr-003413](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003413)

### Rep. Elijah Rumbaoa San Fernando

Rep. Elijah Rumbaoa San Fernando questioned why PHP 14 billion, or 67% of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Office of the Secretary budget, was allocated to Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD). Sponsor Rep. Rommel Rico T. Angara corrected the share to 52% and said the budget also covered the Government Internship Program (GIP), which gives fresh graduates work experience. San Fernando replied that the budget did not distinguish TUPAD from GIP and that their combined amount still represented 67%; he argued that emergency jobs should not displace DOLE's worker-protection functions or longer-term quality employment.

Angara said the Office of the Secretary budget is initially lodged centrally but is distributed through regional and provincial offices, districts and towns during implementation. He defended emergency work as support for communities during disasters and other crises, including transport groups, while agreeing that job creation is a DOLE mandate. San Fernando rejected crisis response as justification for TUPAD's growth and maintained that the allocation reflected excessive emphasis on emergency work.

San Fernando cited 2025 Commission on Audit (COA) findings that some TUPAD beneficiaries received payouts three or four times despite a one-per-family-per-year rule. Angara focused on 1,275 beneficiaries flagged for possible duplicate payment, attributing the count to a database error; he said 15 had duplicate payments, the funds were recovered and reported to COA. San Fernando cited separate COA findings in Socsargen: 330 people received assistance twice, 57 three times and 132 four times. Angara said those cases were settled with COA and promised to provide the submitted data; the exchange records the competing accounts and sponsor's commitments, not independent verification of settlement.

Angara said DOLE had 1,210 plantilla positions, about 1,046 filled, and cited a need for roughly 9,000 labor inspectors nationwide. He separately cited more than 7,000 establishments requiring inspection in Region III. He said adding positions required Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approval and described a phased staffing need. San Fernando questioned why the budget prioritized TUPAD over labor inspection. He compared PHP 712 million for TUPAD administration with PHP 605 million for labor-inspector salaries. Angara cited PHP 524 million in personal-services salaries from his records; San Fernando said that was personal services alone and maintained that the comparison still favored TUPAD administration. Angara said TUPAD administration was subject to a 5% special-provision cap, requested additional funds and positions for DOLE's functions, and said Congress could decide how to allocate funds. San Fernando proposed redirecting more of the Office of the Secretary budget to other DOLE functions; no amendment was moved during this round.

San Fernando questioned whether DOLE's National Capital Region (NCR) Regional Wage Board had apprised attendees of the purpose of the September 2 public consultation on Wage Order No. 28. He played a video and said the regional director described the meeting as gauging workers, without mentioning a wage order; he requested the meeting minutes and challenged the director's account. Angara first said the answer was yes, then said he had received that information from the department. San Fernando maintained that the video showed otherwise. Angara agreed to provide the September 2 minutes.

San Fernando also questioned a September 10 National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) review meeting, saying attendees found no one at the announced venue and alleging the meeting had been hidden from workers. Angara said the meeting occurred, was moved to another room at the Manila Hotel because of disruptions, remained legally valid despite shortened notice, and included labor groups. San Fernando disputed the disruption and transparency account and said the NWPC Executive Director had refused to receive a labor coalition's letter and position paper. Angara denied that the meeting was secret, said the minutes showed labor-group attendance and promised to release them. The record leaves their accounts of notice, attendance and venue disputed; the promised minutes are not included in this exchange.

San Fernando argued that Wage Order No. 27, which he said was published July 9 and effective July 25, provided a PHP 85 wage increase and remained due; he challenged DOLE's reliance on Wage Order No. 28's PHP 60 increase as a substitute. Angara said a temporary restraining order and injunction affected Wage Order No. 27, that DOLE respected the legal proceedings but continued to defend the order, and that Wage Order No. 28 was separate. He said the latter provided PHP 60 and that Wage Order No. 27 also provided PHP 60 in 2026. These were the speakers' accounts and positions; this digest does not resolve the legal effect.

San Fernando argued that workers should have received the first PHP 60 tranche from July 25 and claimed more than PHP 3,000 was owed to each minimum-wage earner. Angara said Wage Orders 27 and 28 both provided PHP 60 for the period he described, calculated PHP 1,560 over 26 days, and said DOLE would implement the wage orders it defended after receiving the relevant Judiciary document. San Fernando said that if DOLE did not change its position, he would move at the appropriate time to redirect DOLE funds, excluding TESDA, to other government functions. He did not make that motion during this round; no budget transfer or wage-order outcome was decided here.

[04:05:33 · asr-003420](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003420) · [04:06:09 · asr-003425](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003425) · [04:06:17 · asr-003426](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003426) · [04:06:33 · asr-003428](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003428) · [04:07:03 · asr-003433](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003433) · [04:07:09 · asr-003434](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003434) · [04:07:11 · asr-003435](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003435) · [04:08:13 · asr-003450](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003450) · [04:08:36 · asr-003456](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003456) · [04:08:48 · asr-003460](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003460) · [04:09:07 · asr-003467](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003467) · [04:09:21 · asr-003471](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003471) · [04:09:52 · asr-003479](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003479) · [04:10:01 · asr-003481](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003481) · [04:10:51 · asr-003497](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003497) · [04:11:05 · asr-003504](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003504) · [04:11:18 · asr-003509](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003509) · [04:12:00 · asr-003530](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003530) · [04:12:09 · asr-003534](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003534) · [04:12:13 · asr-003536](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003536) · [04:12:23 · asr-003539](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003539) · [04:12:28 · asr-003542](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003542) · [04:13:07 · asr-003554](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003554) · [04:13:41 · asr-003564](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003564) · [04:14:06 · asr-003571](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003571) · [04:14:40 · asr-003578](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003578) · [04:15:11 · asr-003582](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003582) · [04:15:21 · asr-003583](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003583) · [04:15:27 · asr-003584](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003584) · [04:15:38 · asr-003585](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003585) · [04:16:03 · asr-003588](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003588) · [04:16:19 · asr-003591](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003591) · [04:18:41 · asr-003610](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003610) · [04:18:50 · asr-003611](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003611) · [04:18:56 · asr-003614](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003614) · [04:19:10 · asr-003615](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003615) · [04:19:25 · asr-003617](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003617) · [04:20:21 · asr-003627](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003627) · [04:20:27 · asr-003628](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003628) · [04:21:55 · asr-003649](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003649) · [04:22:01 · asr-003652](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003652) · [04:22:24 · asr-003660](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003660) · [04:22:37 · asr-003665](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003665) · [04:23:24 · asr-003681](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003681) · [04:23:42 · asr-003686](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003686) · [04:25:22 · asr-003714](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003714) · [04:25:32 · asr-003717](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003717) · [04:25:42 · asr-003720](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003720) · [04:26:05 · asr-003728](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003728) · [04:26:13 · asr-003732](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003732) · [04:26:44 · asr-003740](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003740) · [04:26:55 · asr-003743](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003743) · [04:27:47 · asr-003754](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003754) · [04:28:02 · asr-003756](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003756) · [04:28:20 · asr-003762](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003762) · [04:28:34 · asr-003766](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003766) · [04:29:04 · asr-003769](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003769) · [04:29:20 · asr-003772](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003772) · [04:29:25 · asr-003773](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003773) · [04:29:54 · asr-003778](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003778) · [04:30:17 · asr-003785](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003785) · [04:30:28 · asr-003793](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003793) · [04:30:46 · asr-003800](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003800) · [04:31:08 · asr-003811](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003811) · [04:31:27 · asr-003822](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003822) · [04:31:28 · asr-003823](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003823) · [04:32:15 · asr-003860](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003860) · [04:32:22 · asr-003864](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003864) · [04:33:02 · asr-003886](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003886) · [04:33:14 · asr-003895](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003895) · [04:33:57 · asr-003929](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003929) · [04:34:28 · asr-003952](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003952) · [04:34:36 · asr-003959](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003959) · [04:34:44 · asr-003966](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003966) · [04:35:00 · asr-003982](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003982) · [04:35:08 · asr-003989](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003989) · [04:35:13 · asr-003994](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-003994) · [04:35:36 · asr-004015](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004015) · [04:35:47 · asr-004025](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004025) · [04:35:56 · asr-004032](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004032) · [04:36:06 · asr-004041](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004041) · [04:36:10 · asr-004044](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004044) · [04:36:17 · asr-004050](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004050) · [04:36:23 · asr-004055](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004055) · [04:36:30 · asr-004061](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004061) · [04:36:35 · asr-004064](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004064) · [04:36:51 · asr-004071](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004071) · [04:37:01 · asr-004077](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004077) · [04:37:04 · asr-004078](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004078) · [04:37:06 · asr-004079](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004079) · [04:37:40 · asr-004098](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004098) · [04:37:47 · asr-004101](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004101) · [04:37:55 · asr-004107](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004107) · [04:38:03 · asr-004108](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004108) · [04:38:36 · asr-004112](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004112) · [04:38:45 · asr-004113](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004113) · [04:38:51 · asr-004115](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004115) · [04:38:53 · asr-004116](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004116) · [04:39:34 · asr-004125](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004125) · [04:39:42 · asr-004126](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004126) · [04:40:24 · asr-004139](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004139) · [04:40:33 · asr-004142](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004142) · [04:40:44 · asr-004144](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004144) · [04:40:57 · asr-004147](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004147) · [04:41:02 · asr-004148](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004148) · [04:41:11 · asr-004150](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004150) · [04:41:25 · asr-004153](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004153) · [04:41:32 · asr-004154](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004154) · [04:42:39 · asr-004170](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004170) · [04:43:03 · asr-004177](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004177) · [04:43:34 · asr-004186](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004186) · [04:43:43 · asr-004189](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004189) · [04:44:20 · asr-004201](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004201) · [04:45:00 · asr-004217](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004217) · [04:45:11 · asr-004220](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004220) · [04:45:32 · asr-004226](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004226) · [04:46:07 · asr-004236](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004236) · [04:46:10 · asr-004237](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004237) · [04:46:15 · asr-004239](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004239) · [04:46:41 · asr-004246](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004246)

### Rep. Antonio L. Tinio

Rep. Antonio L. Tinio questioned the Department of Labor and Employment's (DOLE) regional wage-setting system, illustrating how schedules can vary within and among regions by province, city or municipality, sector, employer size and even economic zone. His examples included Aurora, Cebu and the highly localized schedules he described in CALABARZON; he argued that neighboring communities face similar living costs despite different minimum-wage rates.

Sponsor Rep. Rommel Rico T. Angara acknowledged the differences and said DOLE follows Congress's current mandate, taking account of Department of Finance income classes and productivity. He said DOLE would implement a different system if Congress and the Senate enacted one. Tinio pressed for a national legislated wage increase anchored to a family living wage and said the issue required congressional action.

Tinio traced Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) funding from PHP3.2 billion in 2016 to PHP29.5 billion in 2024. He said the 2026 allocation was PHP22 billion, or 75 percent of DOLE's budget, and the FY2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP) contained PHP14.2 billion, or 68 percent.

Angara described the existing NEP amount as PHP14.1 billion, including PHP3 billion for the Government Internship Program (GIP), then confirmed a committee-level request for an additional PHP10.25 billion. Tinio characterized the desired TUPAD funding as PHP24.8 billion. The exchange did not reconcile these figures; the NEP allocation, GIP component and requested addition have different scopes.

Responding to Tinio's criticism that TUPAD had grown to dominate DOLE's budget, Angara said the program involved work rather than a dole-out. He cited a Caloocan literacy effort that employed college graduates and teacher-licensure examination passers as tutors: around 100 worked with students, and the arrangement extended TUPAD work to 30 days rather than the usual 10. He also described local-government coordination for material recovery facility (MRF) cleanup as another example of expanded work.

Tinio disputed an earlier suggestion that TUPAD began during the pandemic: he said it first appeared in the 2014 General Appropriations Act (GAA), and that the 2013 GAA did not name it. He cited PHP1.022 billion under a provision for training, livelihood, enterprise development and related capacity-building programs. He alleged that the 2014 program absorbed the former soft pork-barrel function and remained patronage-based through beneficiary lists supplied by legislators.

Angara agreed that TUPAD first appeared in the 2014 GAA but said the project had started in 2009. He said DOLE downloads funds to regional offices and validates beneficiaries through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) process.

In closing, Tinio said regionalized and localized wage setting failed to protect workers' right to a living wage and urged Congress to enact a national legislated wage increase tied to the family living wage he placed at PHP1,300 a day.

He also called for DOLE to return its focus to labor protections and core functions, with a substantial reduction in TUPAD and funds redirected to DOLE programs and to education, health and other social services. These were Tinio's proposals, not a formal budget motion in this exchange.

[04:50:22 · asr-004311](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004311) · [04:52:34 · asr-004355](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004355) · [04:57:20 · asr-004568](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004568) · [04:57:56 · asr-004594](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004594) · [05:01:47 · asr-004697](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004697) · [05:02:17 · asr-004703](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004703) · [05:05:39 · asr-004741](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004741) · [05:05:50 · asr-004743](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004743) · [05:06:22 · asr-004749](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004749) · [05:06:26 · asr-004751](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004751) · [05:06:54 · asr-004757](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004757) · [05:07:11 · asr-004759](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004759) · [05:08:00 · asr-004769](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004769) · [05:25:58 · asr-005193](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005193) · [05:26:00 · asr-005194](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005194) · [05:09:54 · asr-004787](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004787) · [05:09:56 · asr-004788](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004788) · [05:09:58 · asr-004789](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004789) · [05:10:00 · asr-004790](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004790) · [05:10:36 · asr-004796](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004796) · [05:10:47 · asr-004797](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004797) · [05:11:01 · asr-004798](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004798) · [05:11:06 · asr-004799](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004799) · [05:11:28 · asr-004804](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004804) · [05:11:36 · asr-004805](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004805) · [05:12:01 · asr-004810](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004810) · [05:12:06 · asr-004814](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004814) · [05:12:13 · asr-004816](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004816) · [05:14:11 · asr-004847](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004847) · [05:14:19 · asr-004849](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004849) · [05:15:38 · asr-004878](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004878) · [05:15:46 · asr-004882](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004882) · [05:15:58 · asr-004888](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004888) · [05:16:47 · asr-004916](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004916) · [05:15:28 · asr-004873](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004873) · [05:15:29 · asr-004874](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004874) · [05:15:40 · asr-004879](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004879) · [05:15:42 · asr-004880](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004880) · [05:15:43 · asr-004881](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004881) · [05:15:52 · asr-004885](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004885) · [05:18:30 · asr-004971](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004971) · [05:18:45 · asr-004977](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004977) · [05:19:45 · asr-005008](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005008) · [05:19:51 · asr-005011](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005011) · [05:21:09 · asr-005045](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005045) · [05:23:27 · asr-005121](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005121) · [05:23:38 · asr-005127](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005127) · [05:23:58 · asr-005137](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005137) · [05:24:08 · asr-005142](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005142) · [05:24:47 · asr-005159](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005159) · [05:24:49 · asr-005160](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005160) · [05:24:58 · asr-005163](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005163) · [05:25:00 · asr-005164](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005164) · [05:20:07 · asr-005019](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005019) · [05:18:08 · asr-004959](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004959) · [05:18:12 · asr-004961](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-004961) · [05:26:34 · asr-005211](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005211) · [05:26:36 · asr-005212](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005212) · [05:26:40 · asr-005214](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005214) · [05:26:50 · asr-005219](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005219) · [05:26:54 · asr-005221](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005221)

### Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago

Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago cited a DOLE report that PHP 50.05 million in penalties for occupational safety and health (OSH) violations had been collected from 2022 through 2025 and deposited with the Bureau of the Treasury, but was not accessible to DOLE for OSH implementation. Sponsor Rep. Rommel Rico T. Angara gave a different collected amount, PHP 15,569,000, and said a General Appropriations Act (GAA) special provision was needed before DOLE could use the funds. The two figures were not reconciled.

Elago said DOLE's proposal was to authorize use of 10% of collected fines for OSH training, education and health programs, asked why the share was limited, and advocated a higher share. Angara said 10% had been DOLE's initial request for capacity-building, partly because other agencies had their own funds, but said the percentage could be raised. Elago said she would advance a higher special provision and sought the sponsor's support; no provision or appropriation was adopted in this exchange.

Elago supported workers' calls for higher wages and said Wage Order NCR-28, effective September 26, should not replace the two-tranche PHP 85 increase under Wage Order NCR-27 that she said workers had not received beginning in July 2026. She called for a national legislated minimum wage rather than reliance on regional wage boards.

She asked whether DOLE had joined the Uplift Committee's meetings and was considering the employment effects and needed recommendations amid rising oil prices. Angara said DOLE had attended three meetings and would attend another that evening, but gave no recommendation about the job impacts. Asked about wage orders outside the National Capital Region (NCR), Angara said the next regions were Region 7, Region 4A and Region 3. He gave their wage-order anniversary dates as October 4, October 5 and October 30, 2026, respectively, and described publication and consultation/hearing schedules. Elago welcomed the updates but said Congress should pursue a legislated wage increase and address taxes on basic food, electricity and fuel.

Elago cited a latest Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) underemployment rate of 12.1% for June 2026 and asked what DOLE was doing for people working fewer than 40 hours or seeking additional income. Angara gave a different current figure of 12.9%, or 6.33 million people, without reconciling it with Elago's cited rate. He identified TUPAD as one response, particularly in provinces, and also cited JobStart, PESO services and job fairs as ways to help address mismatches between applicants and employers. Elago agreed that these programs provided relief but said TUPAD was temporary; she urged funding for longer-term, regular and secure job creation as well as short-term assistance.

For the DOLE-reported 2024–2025 Sugar Amelioration Program, Elago cited PHP 48.91 million for 3,764 mill workers and PHP 93.56 million for 437,667 field workers. She calculated average amounts of PHP 12,993 per mill worker and PHP 213.76 per field worker, and asked whether the current payments were roughly PHP 2,000–3,000 for mill workers and PHP 200 for field workers.

Angara confirmed her averages and said the program's stated maximum cash bonuses were PHP 10,000 for field workers and PHP 15,000 for mill workers, distributed at year end. Elago said workers had reported receiving only PHP 200–300, especially during the sugar industry's tiempo muerto, and argued these amounts could be outweighed by travel costs. She asked DOLE to support a PHP 5,000 minimum cash bonus. Angara said setting a minimum involved the law and DOLE would comply with an enacted amendment. The proposed PHP 5,000 minimum was not adopted in this exchange.

Elago asked whether settlements through the Single Entry Approach (SENA) are recorded against employers and whether an employer's lawyer as authorized representative speeds settlement. Angara responded with settlement rates of 84.60% for DOLE regional offices and 84.07% for the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), but did not directly answer the questions about employer records or faster settlements.

Elago then asked whether a worker representative could appear as the worker's authorized representative. Angara said yes. Elago described workers' reports of being intimidated or offered less when facing lawyers and of worker representatives being excluded, and asked DOLE to review SENA and remove its mandatory status. Angara acknowledged the intimidation concern, referred to the Labor Attorney's Office and its free legal assistance role, but said SENA remained mandatory; no commitment to review or make it optional was recorded. Elago also supported greater funding for hiring, training and capacity-building of labor inspectors and for their independence; no response to that proposal appears in the round.

[05:33:27 · asr-005341](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005341) · [05:34:25 · asr-005350](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005350) · [05:35:27 · asr-005364](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005364) · [05:35:36 · asr-005366](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005366) · [05:36:10 · asr-005372](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005372) · [05:36:24 · asr-005375](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005375) · [05:36:35 · asr-005377](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005377) · [05:37:41 · asr-005386](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005386) · [05:27:40 · asr-005243](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005243) · [05:27:50 · asr-005248](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005248) · [05:27:52 · asr-005249](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005249) · [05:27:56 · asr-005251](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005251) · [05:30:21 · asr-005316](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005316) · [05:31:09 · asr-005319](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005319) · [05:31:29 · asr-005321](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005321) · [05:31:51 · asr-005324](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005324) · [05:32:27 · asr-005330](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005330) · [05:32:51 · asr-005335](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005335) · [05:38:06 · asr-005389](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005389) · [05:39:25 · asr-005399](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005399) · [05:39:30 · asr-005400](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005400) · [05:39:42 · asr-005402](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005402) · [05:40:21 · asr-005411](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005411) · [05:40:48 · asr-005417](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005417) · [05:41:01 · asr-005420](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005420) · [05:41:24 · asr-005426](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005426) · [05:41:42 · asr-005429](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005429) · [05:41:47 · asr-005430](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005430) · [05:41:58 · asr-005432](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005432) · [05:42:05 · asr-005433](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005433) · [05:42:17 · asr-005436](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005436) · [05:42:22 · asr-005437](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005437) · [05:44:49 · asr-005449](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005449) · [05:45:00 · asr-005450](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005450) · [05:45:18 · asr-005459](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005459) · [05:45:19 · asr-005460](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005460) · [05:45:44 · asr-005472](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005472) · [05:45:45 · asr-005473](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005473) · [05:47:28 · asr-005522](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005522) · [05:47:38 · asr-005527](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005527) · [05:48:33 · asr-005535](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005535) · [05:48:40 · asr-005537](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005537) · [05:48:54 · asr-005544](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005544) · [05:49:10 · asr-005552](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005552) · [05:49:31 · asr-005562](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005562) · [05:49:51 · asr-005572](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005572) · [05:50:16 · asr-005583](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005583) · [05:50:52 · asr-005601](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005601) · [05:51:05 · asr-005607](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005607) · [05:51:56 · asr-005631](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005631) · [05:52:02 · asr-005634](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005634) · [05:52:28 · asr-005644](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005644) · [05:52:44 · asr-005652](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005652) · [05:52:50 · asr-005655](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005655)

### Rep. Renee Louise M. Co

Rep. Renee Louise M. Co cited the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) report on occupational safety and health (OSH) compliance in economic zones: compliance had improved, but some regions remained below 100%. Sponsor Rep. Rommel Rico T. Angara said there was no lower compliance threshold and that OSH compliance should reach 100%; he said penalties could reach PHP 100,000.

Co asked whether DOLE tracked establishments that repeatedly failed to comply and requested their names and records. Angara said the department would gather the data and submit it. Co welcomed the report and said repeat violations should be acted on.

Co asked how DOLE's labor-protection findings related to investment incentives. She cited the DOLE report's account that the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Board of Investments (BOI), Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), as applicable, have roles in investment incentives. She asked whether DOLE supplied labor-violation findings to BOI so it could consider action on incentives.

Angara said DOLE's role was to inspect, record violations and share its findings with other agencies; DOLE itself did not have authority to cancel incentives. He said inspections of ecozones had been completed and that reports and records could be provided. Co asked how often DOLE communicated findings and requested a detailed report on its coordination and accountability work. Angara committed to provide the documents, first proposing Friday and then requesting Monday of the following week; Co agreed to the Monday deadline. The exchange does not establish how often reporting or interagency coordination occurred.

Co asked whether Project UNLAD, a Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) partnership, had reached enough Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) workers to protect their jobs amid AI-related layoffs. She cited about 18,500 workers upskilled under UNLAD. Angara responded with the broader Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) program: 53,442 scholarship slots for AI- and digital-related skills as of August 20, 2026, offered through institutional, enterprise and online delivery. He cited estimates that 25–35% of jobs, roughly 12 million, could be affected by AI and described the National AI Upskilling Roadmap's three tracks: awareness, adoption and advancement.

Asked whether coverage was sufficient and what outcomes would show success, Angara said TESDA's programs remained insufficient, noted that its FY2027 funding was lower than the FY2026 General Appropriations Act, and welcomed additional funding. He cited 83.4% employability for the general technical-vocational pathway and offered certification and employability reports. Co requested the roadmap and indicators such as promotion, salary growth and faster work output, then said the reported figures did not establish job security for BPO workers facing AI layoffs. The 83.4% figure concerns the broader technical-vocational pathway, not demonstrated AI-related job retention. Angara agreed to submit the roadmap and DOLE/TESDA reports by Monday.

[05:54:18 · asr-005698](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005698) · [05:54:43 · asr-005710](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005710) · [05:54:59 · asr-005718](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005718) · [05:55:06 · asr-005721](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005721) · [05:55:12 · asr-005724](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005724) · [05:55:38 · asr-005729](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005729) · [05:55:44 · asr-005731](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005731) · [05:55:54 · asr-005734](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005734) · [05:56:01 · asr-005735](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005735) · [05:56:15 · asr-005738](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005738) · [05:56:28 · asr-005742](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005742) · [05:56:34 · asr-005745](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005745) · [05:56:41 · asr-005749](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005749) · [05:57:18 · asr-005767](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005767) · [05:57:21 · asr-005769](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005769) · [05:57:26 · asr-005771](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005771) · [05:57:52 · asr-005784](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005784) · [05:57:56 · asr-005786](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005786) · [05:58:00 · asr-005788](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005788) · [05:58:02 · asr-005789](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005789) · [05:58:10 · asr-005793](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005793) · [05:58:30 · asr-005797](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005797) · [05:58:36 · asr-005800](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005800) · [05:58:44 · asr-005804](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005804) · [05:58:52 · asr-005808](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005808) · [05:59:06 · asr-005815](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005815) · [05:59:18 · asr-005820](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005820) · [05:59:34 · asr-005828](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005828) · [06:00:00 · asr-005842](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005842) · [06:00:21 · asr-005845](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005845) · [06:00:28 · asr-005847](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005847) · [06:00:58 · asr-005852](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005852) · [06:01:06 · asr-005853](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005853) · [06:01:51 · asr-005860](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005860) · [06:02:07 · asr-005863](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005863) · [06:03:01 · asr-005874](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005874) · [06:03:28 · asr-005877](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005877) · [06:04:19 · asr-005885](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005885) · [06:04:39 · asr-005888](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005888) · [06:05:07 · asr-005894](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005894) · [06:05:16 · asr-005896](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005896) · [06:05:20 · asr-005898](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005898) · [06:05:58 · asr-005903](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005903) · [06:06:05 · asr-005904](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005904) · [06:06:09 · asr-005905](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005905) · [06:06:16 · asr-005906](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005906) · [06:06:21 · asr-005907](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005907) · [06:06:28 · asr-005910](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005910) · [06:06:35 · asr-005911](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005911) · [06:06:46 · asr-005913](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005913) · [06:06:49 · asr-005914](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005914) · [06:06:56 · asr-005915](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005915) · [06:07:08 · asr-005918](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005918) · [06:07:12 · asr-005919](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005919) · [06:07:16 · asr-005920](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005920) · [06:07:18 · asr-005921](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005921) · [06:07:28 · asr-005924](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005924) · [06:07:30 · asr-005925](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005925) · [06:07:40 · asr-005927](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005927) · [06:07:57 · asr-005932](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005932) · [06:07:58 · asr-005933](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005933) · [06:08:19 · asr-005941](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005941) · [06:08:30 · asr-005944](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005944) · [06:08:33 · asr-005945](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005945) · [06:08:37 · asr-005946](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005946) · [06:08:46 · asr-005948](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005948) · [06:08:49 · asr-005949](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005949) · [06:08:59 · asr-005952](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005952) · [06:09:09 · asr-005955](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005955) · [06:09:18 · asr-005958](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005958) · [06:09:47 · asr-005966](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005966) · [06:10:14 · asr-005974](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005974) · [06:10:24 · asr-005977](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005977) · [06:10:37 · asr-005980](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005980) · [06:10:47 · asr-005982](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005982) · [06:11:11 · asr-005986](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005986) · [06:11:23 · asr-005989](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-005989)

### Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendaña

Rep. Percival “Perci” Cendaña asked sponsor Rep. Rommel Rico T. Angara to explain the reported disruption at the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) meeting on September 10. Angara distinguished that Wage Order No. 28 affirmation from the September 2 public hearing, saying labor leaders entered a meeting intended for board members and that minutes were available. Cendaña responded that labor leaders and unions asserting their right to know the facts and express positions on wages were not disruptors.

Cendaña asked how many individual fishers were verified to receive the mandated minimum wage, after citing 6,048 commercial fishing workers covered by DOLE’s Department Order 156 enforcement in June 2026. Angara repeated the 6,048 figure and cited a 98.91% minimum-wage compliance rate, while initially asking whether Cendaña meant a separate 98.1% occupational safety and health rate. Cendaña clarified that 98.91% came from DOLE’s response about Order 156. Angara said traditional-sharing-scheme cases were less than 2% and offered to compile Region XII cases and provide complete data; Cendaña accepted the report while emphasizing that workers still reported minimum-wage violations.

Cendaña cited the Labor Secretary’s report that 447 of 1,210 plantilla positions were actively conducting inspections and asked about the remaining posts and additional inspectors. He cited PHP 877.34 million in proposed FY2027 funding for labor-law compliance. Angara said 1,046 inspector positions were filled, clarified these were existing posts rather than additional hires, and restated the plantilla total as 1,210. He also referred to PHP 876 million in the same discussion; the two stated amounts are not reconciled. Angara offered the regional chart with totals, and Cendaña accepted it. His filled-post figure did not establish how many staff were actively inspecting or how many additional inspectors would be hired.

Cendaña then moved to terminate interpellations on DOLE and TESDA. The majority joined and the presiding officer carried the motion; this ended deliberations, without approving an appropriation.

[06:12:56 · asr-006005](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006005) · [06:13:51 · asr-006010](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006010) · [06:14:00 · asr-006012](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006012) · [06:15:57 · asr-006042](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006042) · [06:16:34 · asr-006053](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006053) · [06:17:16 · asr-006072](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006072) · [06:17:36 · asr-006085](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006085) · [06:17:39 · asr-006086](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006086) · [06:17:50 · asr-006092](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006092) · [06:17:55 · asr-006095](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006095) · [06:18:03 · asr-006100](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006100) · [06:18:26 · asr-006106](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006106) · [06:18:32 · asr-006109](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006109) · [06:19:00 · asr-006115](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006115) · [06:19:11 · asr-006121](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006121) · [06:19:29 · asr-006127](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006127) · [06:19:35 · asr-006130](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006130) · [06:19:53 · asr-006135](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006135) · [06:20:11 · asr-006144](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006144) · [06:20:19 · asr-006150](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006150) · [06:20:24 · asr-006154](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006154) · [06:21:01 · asr-006185](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006185) · [06:21:04 · asr-006187](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006187) · [06:21:12 · asr-006194](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006194) · [06:22:01 · asr-006219](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006219) · [06:22:05 · asr-006221](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006221) · [06:22:12 · asr-006227](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006227) · [06:22:14 · asr-006229](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006229) · [06:22:40 · asr-006249](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006249) · [06:22:47 · asr-006254](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006254) · [06:23:25 · asr-006287](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006287) · [06:23:37 · asr-006295](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006295) · [06:23:39 · asr-006297](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006297) · [06:23:47 · asr-006304](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006304) · [06:24:01 · asr-006321](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006321) · [06:24:07 · asr-006330](https://tordecilla.github.io/budget-hearings-2026/records/78/#asr-006330)