New provision bans political involvement in aid distribution

A new provision in the General Provisions, specifically Section 78, has been adopted to prohibit political involvement in the distribution of cash and non-cash financial aid, aiming to curb patronage politics.

This prohibition covers all forms of financial assistance, including services like Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), Medical Assistance to Indigent Patients (MAIP), and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD).

The provision implicitly bars politicians from using Guarantee Letters (GLs) for such aid distribution as it encompasses all types of financial assistance.

Furthermore, the 2026 budget will not include pork barrel funds, maintaining a previous stance against such allocations.