Unprogrammed, not unaccounted

When I hear people refer to the Unprogrammed Appropriations (UA) as a "secret fund" or "pork barrel," I can't help but feel concerned-not because of the criticism itself, but because of the misunderstanding behind it.

- GODDES HOPE O. LIBIRAN

Let's be clear from the start: the Unprogrammed Appropriations is not a discretionary or confidential fund. It is a standby appropriation, duly authorized and approved by Congress through the General Appropriations Act (GAA). It is not hidden, it is not illegal, and it is not automatic.

The UA acts as the government's fiscal safety net. It can only be tapped when there are excess or windfall revenues, new revenue measures, or valid loan agreements for foreign-assisted projects. In simple terms, the UA allows the government to respond to urgent national priorities such as disasters, pandemics, or social welfare programs-without violating the fiscal limits set by Congress.

It's not a loophole; it's a lifeline. It ensures flexibility when life happens faster than the budget. The UA typically supports programs and projects such as foreign-assisted loans and their peso counterparts, social protection initiatives like the DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and Food Stamp Program, education and health services, including higher education subsidies and hospital infrastructure, personnel benefits such as salary increases and pensions of government employees, and special projects like the Marawi Compensation Program or renewable energy initiatives.

In 2024 alone, the UA supported ₱15 billion for AICS, ₱27.45 billion for health emergency allowance, and ₱56.9 billion for salary increases and benefits of public workers. Every peso is traceable, every item is authorized by law, and every release is documented and audited.