Sotto, Gatchalian push to remove unprogrammed funds in 2026 budget

Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian will push for the removal of all unprogrammed funds in the 2026 national budget deliberations.

Sotto stated that ideally, 100% of unprogrammed funds should be eliminated, with only foreign-assisted projects remaining exempt.

This proposal aims to enhance transparency and prevent potential involvement of lawmaker insertions in alleged kickback schemes.

The Senate President emphasized that all projects should be clearly itemized with identified proponents before the budget reaches its second reading.

Furthermore, Sotto proposed that no further changes be made to the budget during bicameral conference committee meetings.