MANILA — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) clarified that the Unprogrammed Appropriations (UA) in the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) are intended as a “safety net” and not as a “politician fund,” ensuring lawful and transparent use of government funds.

In a radio interview, DBM Acting Secretary Rolly Toledo said the UA allows the executive branch, with Congress’ consent, to fund select programs or projects not covered under Programmed Appropriations.

“Malinaw po na ang Unprogrammed Appropriations ay hindi ho masama. Ang masama eh ang paggamit nito na may abuso at walang disiplina,” Toledo said.
(It is clear that unprogrammed appropriations are not bad. What is wrong is when there is abuse and lack of discipline in using it.)

He emphasized that the UA is not a blank check, pork barrel, or political fund, but a safety net for government spending. “Ito ay safety net. Hindi po ito shortcut,” Toledo added. (This is a safety net. This is not a shortcut.)

The DBM official clarified that UA funds are not automatically released. They may only be used if there are additional revenues or perfected loans and contracts, and each request must undergo strict DBM evaluation and be accompanied by the required supporting documents.

“Ang sinasabi ko po, ang unprogrammed appropriations ay hindi siya automatic na ma-release. May mahigpit na pagsusuri ng DBM, may legal na policy review, may malinaw na document na basehan nito, at may pananagutan ng bawat opisyal na sangkot dito,” Toledo said.
(What I am saying is that unprogrammed appropriations are not automatically released. They undergo strict DBM scrutiny, legal policy review, and must be backed by clear documents, with accountability for every official involved.)

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reduced the UA in the 2026 GAA to its lowest level since 2019 after vetoing nearly PHP92.5 billion worth of proposed items, calling it a “measured exercise of Executive authority to rebuild public trust in the budget process.”

Several Special Provisions, including the Quick Response Fund, Engineering and Administrative Overhead Expenses, Payment of Retirement Benefits and Pensions, Capacity Development Programs, and Foreign Service Posts, will be released only after all legal, procedural, and fiscal requirements are met.