Sen. Robin Padilla Wants Solons Out from Identification, Budget of Local Infra Projects
ROBIN PADILLA – The Senator filed the “Mahiya Naman Kayo Act” which seeks to prohibit Congress’ participation in local infrastructure projects.
The flood control mess in the Philippines left countless Filipinos including President Bongbong Marcos disappointed and angry. The discovery of several ‘ghost’ and substandard flood control projects that cost the government billions sparked investigations.
Both the Senate and the House of Representatives opened probes on the flood control issues in the country now. Several congressmen and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways were accused of receiving kickback from the flood control deals.
Amid the issue, the DPWH cut its proposed budget for 2026 by P255 billion. The slashing of the agency’s budget came after Pres. Bongbong Marcos ordered a ‘sweeping review’ of the DPWH’s proposed fund for next year.
Currently, both the Senate and the House of Representatives are deliberating the budget proposals of the different offices and institutions under the government for 2026. Previously, Pres. Bongbong Marcos stressed that the 2026 proposed budget needs to be cleaned out citing that there are still insertions. Vice Pres. Sara Duterte claimed that the Chief Executive should have a control on the budget.
Amid the issue of insertions for the local infrastructure projects, Sen. Robin Padilla filed a bill that seeks to prohibit the participation of the Congress in the identification and budget of the local infra projects. Based on a report on Inquirer, the Senator filed the Senate Bill No. 1299 or otherwise known as the “Mahiya Naman Kayo Act”.
To recall, the “Mahiya Naman Kayo” which means “have some shame” when translated was the same remarks of Pres. Bongbong Marcos during his 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA) when he slammed the corrupt officials.
“Members of Congress have reportedly exerted influence over the identification and prioritization of infrastructure projects at the local level, often through informal channels or post-enactment budget insertions,” Padilla stated in his bill.
Based on the report, in the Mahiya Naman Kayo Act, Sen. Robin Padilla said that the said practice allegedly “fosters patronage, reduces the efficiency of public spending, and increases the risk of corruption”. In his proposed measure, the Senator who is now part of the Minority bloc proposed that the Congress members should not:
- Initiate, identify, endorse, insert, or otherwise influence the selection or inclusion of local infrastructure projects in the annual national budget, whether during or after budget preparation;
- Direct or suggest to any government agency or local government unit the implementation of specific infrastructure projects using national funds in their districts or constituencies;
- Intervene in the procurement process, award of contracts, appointment of key personnel involved in procurement and infrastructure projects, or disbursement of public funds relating to local infrastructure projects; and
- Act as contractors, suppliers, project implementers, or intermediaries for the same for local infrastructure projects.
Sen. Robin Padilla wants the following penalties for any member of the Congress who will be proven violating the provisions of the Mahiya Naman Kayo Act:
- Censure or suspension by the respective House of Congress upon the recommendation of the ethics committee;
- Administrative sanctions under applicable laws and regulations;
- Criminal prosecution if acts constitute violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act 3019), the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (R.A. 6713), or other penal laws.
Recently, the actor-turned-Senator earned countless criticisms after a photo of him doing a hand sign while singing the Philippine National Anthem circulated online. Following the issue, Sen. Robin Padilla aired his sentiment why no one in the Senate spoke on the hand sign issue against him.