THE first thing any legislator must learn is that the General Appropriations Act, or the government's yearly budget, is the most important law Congress must pass. Concomitantly, public hearings of all agencies are a must. A platform must be provided for the executive branch to explain how taxpayer money is being spent.

It is curious to see our leaders refusing to answer questions while insisting that next year's budget deliberations be confined to the 2025 proposed budget. Queries about how the budget will be utilized for next year and how the previous FY's budget was utilized are routinary. All offices are asked these questions and are expected to respond accordingly. While some could enjoy parliamentary courtesy wherein their office's budget is approved without much scrutiny, those not afforded this privilege should come to the budget briefings prepared. It is especially necessary to explain the nature of confidential funds declared by the Commission on Audit as disallowed. It is in Congress' purview to make such inquiries.