Manila, Philippines — October 15, 2025.
Malacañang has assured the public that the 2026 national budget, including unprogrammed appropriations, will be used appropriately and responsibly, despite criticisms from minority lawmakers who likened it to a modern “pork barrel.”
According to Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro, it is natural for the opposition to raise questions, but she emphasized that unprogrammed funds are particularly essential for addressing emergencies, especially when resources from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Fund are exhausted.
Castro stressed that the release of unprogrammed funds is strictly monitored and not disbursed carelessly. She added that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered investigations into irregularities in fund usage, including reports related to flood control projects, to ensure that public funds are safeguarded and efficiently spent.
“The government is committed to proper budgeting and responsible spending,” Castro said, reiterating that every effort is being made to prevent waste and guarantee transparency in the use of national funds.
The Palace’s statement aims to reassure the public that the 2026 national budget will be implemented with accountability and prudence, even in the allocation of unprogrammed appropriations.