In keeping with protocols guiding the preparatory stages of the Draft National Budget for Fiscal Year 2026, the Joint Committee on Ways, Means, Finance and Budget of the 55th Legislature, through the Legislative Budget Office (LBO), on today convened a day-long strategic working session with Financial Comptrollers of all Spending Entities across the eleven sectors of the national budget. The session is taking place at the Paynesville Town Hall.
Delivering opening remarks, the Co-Chair of the Joint Committee, Senator Prince K. Moye, underscored the critical importance of the FY2026 National Budget, emphasizing its technical soundness, social responsiveness, economic inclusivity, and institutional credibility.
Senator Moye stated that the national budget must reflect “the real needs of the people, the strategic priorities of the government, and the constitutional role of the Legislature in structuring and approving the budget.” He stressed the need for policymakers to listen to the stories behind the numbers, not only the numbers themselves.
He stressed the importance of clarity on past performance, transparency in current projections, and boldness in future plans, describing the budget process as a civic duty requiring “integrity, intelligence, and unity of purpose.”
Senator Moye also commended the indispensable role of physical controls and sectoral representatives, noting that the session provides a platform for reform, truth, learning, and collective advancement.
He reaffirmed the Legislature’s commitment to a budget process anchored in trust and transparency, urging the participants to proceed with focus, humility, and resolve.
He expressed confidence that the scrutiny and preparation of the FY2026 Budget would be successful and reflective of national priorities.
For his part, the Chair of the Joint Committee, Representative P. Mike Jurry, welcomed the Financial Comptrollers and outlined the Committee’s 2026 Legislative Agenda, particularly its focus on enhancing compliance in legislative oversight.
Rep. Jurry explained that compliance within the oversight framework refers to the adherence of government agencies and departments to laws, regulations, and policy directives established by the Legislature. Building on efforts initiated in 2025, he announced that in 2026 the Committee will scale up monitoring and review of executive actions to ensure the proper implementation of legislative mandates.
He emphasized that enforcing compliance ensures that public officials operate within legal boundaries, follow established financial standards, and avoid abuse of power, dishonesty, and inefficiency. Strengthening compliance, he said, will promote transparency, accountability, and effective use of public resources.
Rep. Jurry disclosed several priority actions for 2026, including:
• Conducting increased public hearings to assess enforcement of laws and regulations.
• Undertaking broader revenue performance reviews to evaluate domestic revenue mobilization and ensure alignment with legislative intent.
• Supporting the Public Accounts Committee in conducting deeper expenditure reviews, requiring agencies to submit timely reports demonstrating adherence to the law.
He noted that the Committee is also reviewing statutes to determine appropriate consequences for non-compliance, which may include budget cuts, sanctions, or legal action, as persistent violations erode public trust and undermine institutional legitimacy.
Rep. Jurry said compliance in legislative oversight is essential for maintaining good governance, accountability, and the rule of law.
During the technical session, Senator Francis Dopoh, head of the Joint Committee Secretariat and Senator Nyan Tuan, made a presentation on the compliance review process and revenue evaluation framework, focusing on Budget Performance Reporting requirements for Spending Entities.
The session forms part of ongoing efforts by the Legislature and the LBO to strengthen fiscal discipline, improve accountability, and ensure a credible, people-centered national budget for FY2026.
Credit: HOR
