Retired generals agitated

Retired generals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are among those urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to return the approved General Appropriations Bill for 2025 to the Bicameral Conference Committee, emphasizing the need for a thorough, comprehensive, and transparent review to ensure that the allocations align with the nation’s priorities and effectively address the most pressing needs of the Filipino people.

In an open letter to the President, the former officers who were joined by other uniformed personnel, University of the Philippines Vanguard members, civil society and civic organizations, and concerned citizens, cited the unjustified budget increases, including the Senate’s allocation which rose from P12,830,174,000 to P13,930,174,009 — a difference of P1.1 billion.

A total of 193 individuals signed the open letter.

The budget of the House of Representatives also grew to P33,670,000,000 from the initial GAB allocation of P16,345,154,000, an increase of 106 percent.

The group also pointed to the budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways which rose to P1,113,764,447,009 from P825,115,474,009 — an increase of P288,648,973,000.

Also questioned was the insertion of the Abot Kamay Ang Pagtulong (AKAP) fund that had been removed by the Senate. The AKAP is designed to provide assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.

The dissenting group described the item as dubious and cast a shadow over other crucial needs.

“Besides, the targeting criteria for this social safety net is ambiguous and devoid of transparency,” it noted.

Several executive departments suffered severe cuts as a result, according to the group.

Affected were the Department of Agriculture, which lost P20,019,173,000; Department of Education, P22,569,739,000; Department of Health, P25,795,106,000; Department of Labor and Employment, P18,013,255,000; and Department of Social Welfare and Development, P96,924,150,000.

The biggest cut was made to the Special Purpose Fund which amounted to P125,442,953,000.

The group also mentioned the P15-billion reduction in the AFP modernization program that “hinders the AFP’s ability to confront security concerns and modernize to necessary equipment.”

“Restoring the full allocation is important for maintaining the country’s sovereignty and military readiners,” their letter read.

Marcos has delayed signing the national budget pending a further review.

The group maintained that increases in the budget of Congress, the DPWH and for other items that are discretionary in nature is a clear violation of the principles of equity and good governance.

“Cuts in the budget of important departments, including Agriculture, Education, Health and Social Welfare, threaten the government’s ability to provide basic services to the Filipino people, especially the poor and the marginalized,” the group said.

The President was urged to lead the fight against corruption.

“We fervently ask for your firm and decisive action, your excellency, because this will enhance your fight against corruption, and correspondingly promote the public good and the wellbeing of Filipinos,” the group stressed.

“Let this national budget be an enduring testament to your government’s commitment in attending to the real needs of the Filipino people and pave the way for the inevitable growth of this nation,” they said.

Among those who signed the letter were the retired Lt. Gen. Samuel Bagasin, Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, Lt. Gen. Connor Anthony Canlas, Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr., Lt. Gen. Romeo Dominguez, Lt. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer, Lt. Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, and Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz.

From the police ranks, the retired signatories were PMGen. Jaime de la Cruz, PMGen. Wilfredo Franco, PMGen. Edgardo Inking, PGen. Felix Abrenica, PGen. Danilo Alcoriza, PBGen. Dennis Basngi, PBGen. Pedro Biasbas, PBGen. Pedro Bulaong, PBGen. Vincent Calanoga, PBGen. Vincent Calanoga, PBGen. Joel Victor Canapi, PBGen. Andrew Cayad, PBGen. Noel de los Reyes, PBGen. Jesus Gordo Descanzo, PBGen. Rodrigo Diapana, PBGen. Aaron Fidel, PBGen. Fortunato Guerrero, and PBGen. Ismael Lapira.

From the Navy, the retired officials were Adm. Danilo Abinoja, Adm. Damian Carlos, Vice Adm. Jesus Milan, Vice Adm. Edmund Tan, Vice Adm. Rommel Anthony Reyes, and Vice Adm. Mateo Mayuga, among others.