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Palace brands LGSF flak as intrigue
‘He has the right to bring the matter before any court, but he should make sure that he has a basis for doing so. If he studies the process by which the LGSF is released to local government units, he will likely gain a clearer understanding of the matter.’
The proposed P58.53-billion Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) for 2027 has drawn criticism from Caloocan City 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice, who has described the fund as a “presidential pork barrel” and threatened to challenge its allocation before the Supreme Court.
Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro, however, dismissed Erice’s criticism as an attempt to sow intrigue, saying the lawmaker should first examine how LGSF allocations are processed and released.
“He has the right to bring the matter before any court, but he should make sure that he has a basis for doing so. If he studies the process by which the LGSF is released to local government units (LGUs), he will likely gain a clearer understanding of the matter,” Castro said at a Palace briefing Wednesday.
The LGSF was allocated nearly P23 billion in 2025, increased to P57.87 billion in 2026, and is proposed at P58.53 billion under the 2027 National Expenditure Program.
Erice has questioned the rapid increase in the fund and the discretion involved in determining which local government units receive assistance, how much they receive and when the funds are released.
No politics behind it
Castro earlier stressed that the release of LGSF allocations is not politically motivated, saying requests are evaluated based on feasibility studies, supporting documents and recommendations from concerned government agencies.
She said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) carefully reviews proposals submitted by LGUs to determine the projects’ necessity and viability.
The release of funds, she added, is subject to compliance with requirements and safeguards intended to ensure their proper and responsible use.
Castro also said the President, the DBM and other concerned agencies would continue to uphold the proper management and prudent use of public funds.
She said LGUs themselves submit requests and supporting documents for projects they want funded through the LGSF.
Castro also cited Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo’s support for increased assistance to LGUs as evidence that the fund could substantially benefit local communities.