President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered the strict enforcement of a new provision in the ₱6.793 trillion 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) that prohibits lawmakers and elected officials from participating in the distribution of cash assistance.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto confirmed the safeguard was written directly into the law.
“Kung hindi ako nagkakamali, there is a special provision in the budget, or a general provision in the budget, na bawal ang pulitiko during the actual disbursement,” he said.
“I’ll put it this way. It’s the first time we’ve had this kind of provision [in the] General Appropriations Act. So subukan natin muna.”
Marcos emphasized the measure was meant to ensure aid serves citizens, not political interests.
“Politicians shall be barred from the distribution of any financial aid and we shall ensure that the support reaches the intended beneficiaries without patronage. Walang bawas, walang kulang,” he stressed.
The prohibition covers major programs such as Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, and cash grants and pensions for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, effectively cutting off opportunities for political branding at the point of aid delivery.