₱92.5-B unprogrammed appropriations vetoed

Stressing that unprogrammed appropriations (UA) are not "blank checks," President Marcos has vetoed almost ₱92.5 billion in the 2026 national budget which he signed on Monday, Jan. 5.

- BY BETHEENA UNITE

"To ensure that public funds are expended in clear service of national interest, I vetoed several items of appropriations with their purposes and corresponding special provisions under the UA, totaling almost ₱92.5 billion," Marcos announced during the ceremonial signing of the ₱6.793-trillion national budget for 2026.

Vetoed items

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said there are roughly 10 items under the UA.

Items vetoed by the President were:

P6,895,000 budgetary support to government-owned or-controlled corporations (GOCCS)

P4.320-billion fiscal support to Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy program P2-billion insurance for government assets .

P14-million prior years local government unit shares

P250,000 Revitalizing the Automotive Industry for Competitiveness Enhancement program

P35,769,000 for Government of the Philippines counterpart for Foreign Assisted Projects

P43,245,000 payments of PS requirements under government agencies

P80-billion Strengthening Assistance for Government Infrastructure and Social Programs (SAGIP)

P210-million Nampedai property; P6.7-billion public health emergency benefits

P2-billion Marawi Siege Victims Compensation under the NEP

According to Recto, the remaining items under the UA are P97,305,000 for Support to Foreign Assisted Projects; P50-billion Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program; and P3.6-billion Risk Management Program.

Recto also expressed confidence that despite the vetoed items, no programs would be stalled.