The 2026 national budget could delay pay raises and retirement benefits for teachers, civil servants, and uniformed personnel, as over P43 billion in mandatory personnel funds has been moved to unprogrammed appropriations (UAs).
ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio said this includes P10.77 billion for salary upgrades and P32.47 billion for retirement and terminal leave benefits, which may only be released if the government generates excess revenue.
The shift reduced allocations in the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund and the Pension and Gratuity Fund while expanding lump-sum funds for local government units by over P53 billion.
Tinio called the move a “brutal betrayal” of public servants, arguing it prioritizes LGU pork over workers’ guaranteed compensation and pension security.
He urged President Marcos to veto the UAs and restore the P43.24 billion for personnel benefits, warning that public servants’ pay should not be used to shield a corrupt funding system.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 4, 2026
P43-B GOVERNMENT FUND TRANSFER COULD IMPACT WORKERS’ BENEFITS
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