The 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) is free from pork barrel allocations, according to Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre. He refuted claims made by former Senate president Franklin Drilon, who alleged that billions of pesos in discretionary funds were included in the 2025 national budget through congressional amendments.
“The 2025 budget is pork-free,” Acidre emphasized in a PhilStar report, adding that all allocations are transparent, with clear guidelines and implementation handled by executive agencies. He clarified that no funds have been earmarked as discretionary for legislators, ensuring compliance with constitutional priorities.
Acidre explained that the budget process underwent thorough legislative scrutiny, and while adjustments were made, they aimed to efficiently distribute resources without compromising essential services. He dismissed Drilon’s claims as unfair, reiterating that every line item is managed by the executive branch.
Drilon had called on the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to reveal details of Congress-introduced amendments. In response, the DBM stated that all budget releases must adhere to strict rules, including the issuance of Special Allotment Release Orders (SARO).
Meanwhile, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) plans to take the Marcos administration to the Supreme Court, questioning the inclusion of defense and interior department schools in the education sector’s budget.
TDC chairman Benjo Basas argued that institutions such as the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) have historically been funded under their parent agencies and should not be lumped into the education budget. He expressed concern that this practice could undermine the constitutional mandate to prioritize education funding.
The group is pushing for a review of the P1.055 trillion education budget to ensure that it reflects allocations solely for traditional education agencies.
