House Deputy Speaker Albee Benitez said there is no increase in lawmakers’ maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE), stressing instead that the government is facing underspending in district projects.
He denied reports linking alleged budget hikes and additional incentives for lawmakers to the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, calling the claims untrue.
Benitez said many government projects remain delayed, with only about 20 percent of 2026 GAA-funded projects in his district undergoing bidding so far.
He added that rumors about budget increases and political pressure are being used to cast doubt on lawmakers’ votes in the House committee on justice.
Other lawmakers, including Rep. Lordan Suan, also denied receiving any budget increases, saying their allocations have remained unchanged.
Source: PhilNews24 | May 1, 2026
