Manila, Dec. 18 -- Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Thursday welcomed the safeguards and transparency measures embedded in the proposed 2026 national budget but cautioned that vigilance must continue even after its ratification to prevent abuse of public funds.

Lacson said the safeguards were secured through the efforts of the Senate panel in the bicameral conference committee, led by Senate Committee on Finance chairperson Sherwin Gatchalian, which pushed for accountability measures amid criticisms and misinformation.

"Amid all the disinformation and unreasonable criticisms, we have all the reasons to be proud of our Senate panel under the leadership of our Finance Chair Senator Win. I give my two thumbs up from start to ...