Rep Diokno seeks zero unprogrammed appropriations in 2026 budget

Akbayan party list Rep. Chel Diokno is calling for the complete removal of Unprogrammed Appropriations (UA) from the proposed 2026 national budget, arguing it has become a "parallel budget system" for discretionary spending.

He expressed concern that the UA, initially meant as a standby fund for contingencies, has expanded significantly and now conceals numerous projects within the budget process.

Diokno stated that the UA should not be treated as an "accountability-free magic pot" for projects and proposed reducing the UA line item to zero in the budget.

However, Malacañang, through Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro, has opposed Diokno's proposal, stating that these funds are primarily intended for projects and emergency situations.

Castro emphasized that the UA cannot be accessed immediately without the necessary documentation, even if it falls under unprogrammed appropriations, and assured that the President guards the people's funds.