P92.5 billion in unprogrammed funds vetoed

PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Monday signed this year’s P6.793-trillion national budget but vetoed around P92 billion worth of unprogrammed appropriations amid heightened scrutiny over public spending as authorities probe a graft scandal.

- By Chloe Mari A. Hufana Reporter

During the signing of Republic Act No. 12314 or the 2026 General Appropriations Act in Malacañang, Mr. Marcos said the veto aims to ensure public funds are spent strictly in line with national priorities.

“To ensure that public funds are expended in clear service of national interests, I vetoed several items of appropriations with their purposes in corresponding special conditions under the unprogrammed appropriations totaling almost P92.5 billion,” he said.

He ordered government agencies to exercise prudent fiscal management while ensuring uninterrupted public service.

Unprogrammed appropriations are meant to give the government flexibility in responding to emergencies or unforeseen needs. However, their use has drawn closer scrutiny amid concerns that excessive or unclear releases could weaken fiscal oversight and accountability.

After the veto, the total unprogrammed appropriations were reduced to the "absolute bare minimum" or about P150 billion from P243 billion in the General Appropriations Bill.

The President said this is the lowest level of unprogrammed appropriations since 2019 and stressed that releases would undergo careful validation.

"My administration will enforce these safeguards without exception, to serve the public interest and to advance our national development goals," he said.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said the veto underscored the administration's commitment to fiscal responsibility.