Sotto: PBBM wants 'squeaky clean' budget

Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto on Monday, 5 December, said he believes President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. wants a "squeaky clean" national budget after he vetoed nearly P92.5-billion worth of line items under the unprogrammed appropriations in the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

"I know the 2026 budget is by far the cleanest ever, but it seems the President wants it squeaky clean," Sotto said.

"He even highlighted the Senate provision that prevents political patronage by politicians," he added.

Sotto made the statement after Marcos signed the P6.793-trillion budget for fiscal year 2026.

Marcos said the unprogrammed funds under the 2026 GAA were reduced to its "absolute bare minimum," or at the level lowest since 2019, to ensure that public funds are expected in clear service of national interests.

Unprogrammed allocations are budgetary items that can be used to give the government flexibility in responding to emergencies or unforeseen needs.

However, their use has drawn closer to scrutiny amid concerns that excessive or unclear releases could weaken fiscal oversight and accountability.

After the veto, total unprogrammed appropriations were reduced to P15.05 from P243 billion in the bicameral conference committee report, the lowest since 2019.