Manila: Malaca±ang has called on the Makabayan bloc to provide specific names and details concerning allegations of 'allocable funds' set aside for lawmakers' pet projects, emphasizing the need for evidence to support such claims.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Makabayan bloc alleged that despite the Marcos administration's assertion that the proposed 2026 national budget contains no irregularities, pork barrel allocations persist in the form of 'congressional allocables' for infrastructure projects, party-list allocations, and presidential pork within Unprogrammed Appropriations and Confidential and Intelligence Funds. The bloc further criticized the House leadership, accusing it of attempting to conceal PHP695.78 billion in pork barrel insertions, categorized as 'hard pork' for infrastructure projects and 'soft pork' for social welfare programs.
In response, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro challenged the Makabayan bloc to substantiate their claims. Castro stated, "Nasaan 'yun? Ituro nila para makasagot tayo nang tama (Where is that? Let them point it out so we can respond properly)." She urged the bloc to provide a detailed list of the alleged allocable funds and identify the lawmakers involved.
Castro reiterated the Marcos administration's commitment to eradicating corruption at all government levels, citing significant progress in reform efforts. She noted that the Commission on Audit has filed 21 fraud audit reports, while the Department of Public Works and Highways has lodged 13 complaints after discovering 421 ghost flood control projects.
Furthermore, Castro highlighted that the Bureau of Internal Revenue has filed four tax evasion cases, and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure has filed one case, with plans to submit 15 additional cases in the coming weeks. The Anti-Money Laundering Council has also frozen assets worth PHP5.2 billion, including bank accounts, insurance policies, vehicles, real estate, and e-wallets linked to individuals allegedly involved in corruption.
Additionally, Castro mentioned that Immigration Lookout Bulletin Orders have been issued against 92 individuals to prevent them from evading prosecution. She reaffirmed the administration's dedication to maintaining its anti-corruption campaign, ensuring accountability, and safeguarding public funds.
President Marcos Jr. has assured that the government's efforts to hold guilty parties accountable will persist, with ongoing actions against corruption. Castro emphasized that these measures aim to enhance the administration's dedication to protecting citizens' welfare and safeguarding the nation's finances.
