The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) defended the constitutionality of unprogrammed appropriations (UPAs) in the 2026 budget, stating that they comply with strict controls and are only released under specific fiscal conditions.
Minority lawmakers, led by Rep. Edgar Erice and Rep. Leila de Lima, filed a Supreme Court petition seeking to void the UA, arguing it allows funding of projects without an identifiable source.
The DBM stressed that UAs are standby allocations, not lump-sum funds, and must meet strict validation before release.
The UA in the 2026 budget totals P150.9 billion, the lowest since the Duterte administration, although it previously peaked at P807.16 billion in 2023.
President Marcos vetoed P92.5 billion of UA items in the 2026 General Appropriations Act, reflecting the government’s spending priorities for excess revenue.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 9, 2026
DBM: UNPROGRAMMED APPROPRIATIONS ARE CONSTITUTIONALLY VALID
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