Business groups flag unprogrammed funds

Business groups are sounding the alarm over the remaining unprogrammed appropriations (UAs) in this year’s P6.793-trillion national budget, warning that the lack of transparency over these expenditures could further erode public trust in the government.

- By DEXTER BARRO II

In separate statements, the Makati Business Club (MBC) and the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) expressed concerns over the 150.9 billion in UAs retained in the 2026 budget.

Since UAs are not covered by regular budget financing, they can only be funded by excess or new tax and non-tax revenues, as well as foreign loans for specific projects and programs.

While UAs have been reduced to their lowest level since 2019, FINEX argued that its multibillion-peso scale still creates uncertainty and heightens governance risks if not subject to transparent conditions.

“Without clear triggers, safeguards, and public disclosure, unprogrammed funds risk undermining budget credibility, distorting spending priorities, and eroding public trust,” the group said.