Groups oppose 2026 budget, fears corruption still present through 'allocables'

Progressive groups picket in front of the Mendiola Peace Arch in Manila on Monday, 5 January 2026, to protest President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signing of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for fiscal year 2026. Protesters dispute Marcos’ claim that the budget is free of corruption, pointing to the inclusion of so-called “allocables,” which they say are a new form of pork barrel.