A Matter of Priority

A national budget is more than just a statement of the government's expenditures and sources of revenues. More importantly, it reflects our government's priorities and development goals.

In the past five years, we have been operating under either a completely reenacted budget or a much-delayed approved budget. This has effectively thwarted all forward planning, as well as new initiatives. In our country, the national budget is treated like any ordinary legislation, when in fact it is the first and most important document in the annual legislative sessions.

In many countries like the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, Japan and many other parliamentary democracies, the national budget is used as a tool for economic development. Its presentation is the most publicized and analyzed event.

These countries make use of the national budget as an instrument of social engineering, as well as a means to solve their social problems in health care or education, for instance. But here in the Philippines, our budget seldom corresponds to the crucial needs of the country.

The biggest chunk, or almost a third of the P1.05 trillion budget, will go to debt service. On the other hand, the share of education, health and other social services will decrease to 13.9% from an already inadequate share of 14.7% in 2005.

We must break out of this vicious cycle of ever-decreasing funding for basic social services and increasing debt service. Until we do, we will never make any significant improvement in the quality of life of the common Filipino. Argentina was able to turn its economy around in three years time by defaulting on its debt. Its creditors are now happier because Argentina's economy is stronger and in a better position to pay its debt.

What we need to do is give our budget focus and heart. For far too long we have neglected to put our money where it is most needed - our citizen's health, our children's education and our food and nutrition requirements.