Senator Win Gatchalian on Monday reaffirmed the integrity of the 2026 national budget, stressing that the Senate had already scrapped the ₱80-billion allocation for the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) Special Allotment for Government Infrastructure Projects (SAGIP), which had raised corruption concerns.
Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, explained that SAGIP was a lump-sum fund under unprogrammed appropriations (UA) often used for flood control projects, noting that ₱86.93 billion in flood control funds had been “parked” under the same item in 2024.
He clarified that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. did not veto any programmed appropriations in the 2026 spending plan.
“I respect the President’s constitutional authority to veto certain provisions of the 2026 national budget,” Gatchalian said.
Of the seven UA items vetoed, five were originally part of the National Expenditure Program submitted by the executive branch before Congress refined them.
Addressing questions on the Regional Automotive Competitiveness Enhancement (RACE) Program, Gatchalian said it was a non-cash entry similar to the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program.
“I also wish to clarify that the inclusion of the RACE Program in the UA is for book-entry purposes only. Similar to the CARS Program, it is a non-cash item that merely provides the legal basis for the Department of Trade and Industry–Board of Investments to issue tax payment certificates. Walang aktwal na pondong inilalabas dito,” he explained.
Looking forward, Gatchalian assured that Congress will continue monitoring and coordinating with the executive branch to ensure transparent implementation of the 2026 budget.