Inquirer
No ‘pork’ in LGU funds, Gatchalian asserts
ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio accused the Senate of reallocating P17.9 billion from government workers' benefits to local government units for 2026.
Tinio stated that the Senate reduced the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund (MPBF) from P111.5 billion to P56.5 billion.
He further claimed that the Senate nearly doubled the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), increasing it from P20.2 billion to P38.1 billion.
Tinio alleged that this move diverts funds meant for government employees into a "slush fund for local patronage" that benefits local dynasties.
However, Senate finance committee chair Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian dismissed Tinio's allegation as "baseless and grossly misleading."
Gatchalian clarified that the adjustments to the national budget were made with full transparency and that the increase in LGSF is an investment in communities for vital services like health centers and disaster preparedness.
He stated that strengthening LGUs ensures resources reach the grassroots level.
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Senate leaders, including Senate President Vicente Sotto III, have denied accusations of a P17.9 billion "pork barrel" fund in the 2026 budget.
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A bicameral panel approved a P37.49 billion budget for financial assistance to local government units (LGUs) through the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF).
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The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines strongly condemns the Senate's decision to slash P55 billion from the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund (MPBF) in the 2026 national budget.
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