By PCO | January 5, 2026

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday ordered a strict implementation of the provision in the 2026 General Appropriations Act barring politicians’ involvement in the distribution of cash and other forms of financial assistance to ensure every peso will reach the intended beneficiaries without patronage.

During the signing ceremony at Malacañan Palace, President Marcos emphasized that the PhP6.793 trillion national budget for 2026 must be used solely to serve the Filipino people and never be used for partisan or political influence.

“We will strictly implement the provision on the ‘Prohibition on Political Involvement in the Distribution of Cash and Other Forms of Financial Assistance,” said the Chief Executive.

“Politicians shall be barred from the distribution of any financial aid and we shall ensure that the support reaches the intended beneficiaries without patronage,” the President declared.

“Walang bawas, walang kulang,” President Marcos stressed, ensuring that assistance programs must be delivered through proper government channels and shielded from patronage politics.

The government provides cash aid and other forms of financial assistance, including the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), as well as cash grants and pensions for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

President Marcos also emphasized the increased allocations under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), which he said will empower local government units to respond to development needs, support livelihoods, and build safe and resilient communities.

“I stand firm in my constitutional duty to ensure the faithful execution of laws. Therefore, I hereby condition the implementation of certain provisions in this Act to conform to existing laws, policies, rules, and regulations,” the President also said.

Among the budget items subject to conditional implementation are the Engineering and Administrative Overhead Expenses, Payment of Retirement Benefits and Pensions, Capacity Development Programs, and Foreign Service Posts.

The President also cited programs and projects that will be carried out within legal and regulatory frameworks, such as the School-Based Feeding Program, Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program, PAMANA Program, Residential Care Services to Vulnerable Groups by Accredited Social Welfare and Development Agencies, Implementation of Infrastructure Projects of GOCCs, and Programs and Projects Related to Senior Citizens and Persons with Disability.

“This shall ensure that these programs promote our long-term development goals,” said the President. | PND