Malacañang on Tuesday addressed questions raised over the unprogrammed appropriations in the 2026 national budget, clarifying that these funds are not sources of corruption but are to be used only when the government’s regular funds have been depleted—especially during successive natural calamities.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said during a press briefing that while some lawmakers and members of the opposition have expressed doubts about the potential misuse of unprogrammed funds, these allocations are essential for maintaining the government’s capacity to respond to emergencies.
“Siguro trabaho naman talaga ng oposisyon na sila ay mag-object kung sila ay may nakikitang issue pero sa palagay at sa tingin ng pamahalaan, lalong-lalo na ng BBM, sinasabi natin ang budget lalong-lalo na sa unprogrammed appropriations ay kinakailangan ito,” Castro said.
She explained that unprogrammed funds serve as a financial safety net when allocations such as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) fund or contingent funds are exhausted.
“Hindi ba nagkakaroon tayo ng sinasabi natin na pag-deplete ng funds ng NDRRM dahil maraming nagiging kalamidad sa ngayon. Sa ngayon kapag na-deplete ‘yan at naubos na ang contingent funds, diyan naman kukuha sa unprogrammed appropriations mula sa SAGIP,” Castro added.
The Palace official also assured that the release and use of these funds are subject to strict conditions and cannot be treated as discretionary or “pork barrel” funds.
“Kaya tandaan natin na kahit ito ay nasa unprogrammed appropriations, iingatan po ang budget na ito at hindi naman ito mailalabas at sasabihing magiging pork barrel lamang,” she said.
Castro emphasized that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. continues to lead efforts to investigate anomalous projects and questionable budget insertions, underscoring his commitment to transparency and responsible spending.
“Ang Pangulo mismo ang nagpapaimbestiga patungkol dito sa mga maanomalyang paggamit ng pondo para sa maanomalyang projects, mas lalong iingatan ng pangulo ang budget na ito para mas maging maganda at hindi malustay ang pera kung saan-saan,” she said.
