Ahlyzza Dhnise Madrazo 

The proposed 2025 budget of the Office of the President has faced little scrutiny, despite unprogrammed appropriations and contingent funds, where only one minority lawmaker questioned the  P158.665 billion unprogrammed appropriations. 

Photo Courtesy of Daily Tribune.

Unprogrammed appropriations are standby funds the government can access when revenue exceeds budget targets, allocated to agencies and programs based on government priorities.

A significant increase in standby funds has been observed in recent years, so Rep. France Castro (ACT Teachers Party) questioned the approval process for the standby funds.

It was highlighted that under the standby funds of the National Expenditure Program (NEP) and General Appropriations Act (GAA), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is authorized to approve.

“The DBM cannot simply alter the amount, whether it pertains to regular or unprogrammed appropriations. They have no authority to do so unless the president grants them power and certain items are vetoed,” Castro said.

The House appropriations committee terminated deliberations on the Office of the President's proposed P10.506 billion budget, citing 'parliamentary courtesy', and OP also requested P4.56 billion in confidential and intelligence funds.

While the Office of the President faced minimal scrutiny from the House, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) led by Sara Duterte has faced constant drama in the series of recent budget hearings.

Lawmakers expressed disappointment over OVP's lack of explanation for spending and programs and remained absent during the good governance committee inquiry into Duterte's alleged public fund misuse.

ACT party-list Representative France Castro recommended a 70% cut to the OVP’s proposed P2.026 billion budget, suggesting P529.593 million instead of P733 million, citing concerns to fulfill her duties as the vice president.

The House allowed the OVP to address these issues in the meeting, urging accountability moving forward.