Watchdog flags graft risks across PHL health and education spending

CORRUPTION risks in the Philippines' 2026 national budget are shifting beyond infrastructure to health and education spending, a budget watchdog said, warning that weak safeguards during implementation could expose some of the government's biggest social programs to political interference.

- By Chloe Mari A. Hufana and Adrian H. Halili Reporters

Social Watch Philippines said allocations approved by Congress for education facilities and health assistance warrant closer scrutiny as the P6.793-trillion General Appropriations Act moves from legislation to execution, particularly after a recent graft scandal involving public works projects.

"Corruption risks are not unique to infrastructure agencies," Alce C. Quitalig, senior budget analyst at Social Watch Philippines, said via Viber. "The education and health sectors likewise contain questionable budget provisions that warrant close scrutiny."

The group flagged funding increases added by lawmakers to the Department of Education's basic education facility program beyond the agency's original proposal, as well as allocations for the Department of Health's (DoH) Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients approved at the bicameral conference stage.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. signed the 2026 budget on Jan. 5 after vetoing P92.5 billion in unprogrammed funds. The spending law was passed amid heightened concern over corruption following revelations of misuse of public works funds.

One reform included in the budget was the removal of politicians' guarantee letters for the DoH program, ending the requirement for endorsements to access hospital bill assistance. The DoH is set to issue revised guidelines by February to simplify procedures, widen coverage and reduce political influence in aid distribution.

Education again received the largest share of the budget, in line with constitutional requirements, with a record P1.345-trillion allocation. The health sector was allotted P448.125 billion, also its highest on record.

Corruption risks in these sectors are structural given the scale of procurement, logistics and documentation involved, said Hansley A. Juliano, a political science lecturer at the Ateneo de Manila University.