SENATE Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano wants the government to strengthen safeguards and transparency measures in its borrowing program after the Department of Finance (DOF) revealed plans to borrow P4.5 billion daily in 2026 despite projecting P13.65 billion in daily revenues. Cayetano made the call following the DOF’s presentation before the Senate Committee on Finance earlier this week, where the department disclosed that a substantial financing gap would persist next year, requiring heavy borrowings to sustain public operations and fund key development programs. The department also outlined its P37.78-billion proposed budget for 2026, largely allocated to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC). The department said it aims to boost revenues through dividends from government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) and proceeds from asset sales. Cayetano, a long-time advocate of accountability and fiscal prudence, warned that unrestrained borrowing without sufficient congressional scrutiny could saddle future generations with hidden obligations. “Theoretically, it would be completely legal for the government to borrow money even without Congress’ approval... You only show it to us once it’s already implemented, and Congress no longer has the option to say we don’t agree with that loan,” Cayetano said. He stressed that fiscal policy must balance revenue generation with social responsibility, questioning the administration’s growing reliance on digital taxes and online gambling revenues. “If the Department of Finance is mostly looking at the revenue side, where is the rest of the government?” he asked. Cayetano also said fiscal measures should uphold transparency and accountability, not just meet collection targets. He cited his co-authorship of Senate Concurrent Resolution 4, which seeks to ensure full public disclosure of key budget documents — including loan contracts — to reinforce oversight and fiscal discipline. “Ensure full transparency. The national budget is not just the work of a few but a product of the entire Congress, representing every Filipino,” he said. Cayetano said the executive and legislative branches share the same goal of ensuring government resources is properly used.