Tayabas City Sangguniang Panlungsod Commences 2026 Budget Hearings

The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Tayabas City formally opened its budget hearing sessions on October 23, 2025, signaling the start of a two-week deliberation that will run until November 5, 2025. The hearings cover all local government offices and national agencies operating under the City Government of Tayabas.

The first session was presided over by Councilor Sergio C. Caagbay, Jr., Chairperson of the Committee on Appropriation, Budget and Finance, together with committee members and other members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. The initial deliberation officially kicked off the review of the proposed 2026 Annual Budget of Tayabas City, a process crucial to ensuring sound fiscal management and accountability.

Councilor Caagbay emphasized the importance of the hearings, noting that the process ensures that every peso allocated by the city government directly benefits Tayabenses. “The conduct of the budget hearing is vital in ensuring that every peso of the people’s money is allocated wisely and transparently,” he said.

The Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7160) provides the legal framework for the conduct of local budget hearings. Under Section 318, the Local Chief Executive (LCE) is mandated to submit the executive budget to the Sanggunian not later than October 16 of the current fiscal year. Once submitted, the Sanggunian, through its Committee on Appropriations, is tasked to review, deliberate, and approve the proposed budget as stated in Section 319 of the Code.

These provisions define the respective roles of the executive and legislative branches of the local government: the mayor proposes the budget, and the council exercises oversight and approval to ensure fiscal integrity and compliance with legal standards.

During the hearings, each department head and representative of national line agencies is required to present their proposed budgets, explain their expenditure plans, and justify their requested allocations for the next fiscal year. This process typically includes a question-and-answer session, committee evaluation, and eventually, the drafting of the appropriation ordinance for plenary approval.

In compliance with Section 352 of the Local Government Code, which mandates transparency and public access to financial documents, the hearings are open to the public. This ensures that citizens remain informed about how their taxes are being allocated and spent.

Through the conduct of these hearings, the Sanggunian ensures that the proposed 2026 budget aligns with the city’s development priorities, fiscal capacity, and service delivery goals. It also reinforces accountability, as each department must demonstrate measurable outcomes and responsible spending.

Once all hearings conclude, the Committee on Appropriations will consolidate its findings and submit a committee report for final deliberation by the Sangguniang Panlungsod. The approved budget ordinance, once enacted and signed by the City Mayor, will serve as the official 2026 Annual Budget of the City of Tayabas.

“The annual budget is not merely a financial document; it is a reflection of our development vision and our commitment to good governance,” Councilor Conrado A. Aragon (LnB President and Ex officio SP member) remarked during the session.

As the hearings continue until November 5, the city government of Tayabas underscores its dedication to transparency, accountability, and participatory governance, in full adherence to the principles of the Local Government Code of 1991. (JRS)