By Alexia Bangayan

On Thursday, January 8, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) defended the provision flagged by lawmakers who raised concerns about the inclusion of unprogrammed appropriations in the 2026 national budget, stating that the funds are permitted under the Constitution.

Caloocan Second District Representative Edgar Erice, along with Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila De Lima, filed a temporary restraining order against the unprogrammed appropriations in the budget.

The remaining unprogrammed appropriations in the 2026 budget of P150.9 billion consists of P97.3 billion for support to foreign-assisted projects, P50 billion for the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program, and P3.6 billion for risk management program.

The lawmakers urged the Supreme Court to rule that the insertion of the unprogrammed appropriations constitutes grave abuse of discretion, effectively exceeding or lacking proper jurisdiction.

According to De Lima, including unprogrammed funds violates Article VII, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution.

‘‘Despite the President’s veto of P90.5 billion in the General Appropriations Act (GAA), there is still a remaining P150.9 billion in unprogrammed appropriations, which should not be included,’’ she said.

Meanwhile, Erice noted that the unprogrammed appropriations grew over the years, peaking at P800 billion in 2023 and P700 billion in 2024.

Although the DBM said it respects the right of lawmakers to seek judicial remedies, it highlighted that the unprogrammed appropriations are standby funds that may only be used once specific fiscal conditions are met, as the budget is subject to strict validation and control mechanisms.

The agency clarified that these funds are neither lump-sum funds nor blank checks for government spending.

Moreover, DBM Acting Secretary Rolando Toledo cited the Supreme Court rulings and said that the design of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 GAA shows that unprogrammed appropriations are constitutional, clearly defined, and subject to strict fiscal safeguards.