Manila: Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Friday defended the inclusion of unprogrammed appropriations (UA) in the 2026 national budget, asserting that these funds are constitutional and designated as standby funds that can only be accessed under strict conditions. In a Zoom interview with Senate media, Sotto clarified that the unprogrammed funds are not readily available for spending and can only be utilized once specific fiscal requirements are satisfied.

According to Philippines News Agency, Sotto elaborated that these appropriations are released only when clear financial or fiscal conditions are met and after undergoing stringent validation processes. He emphasized that safeguards have been reinforced following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s veto of most proposed unprogrammed appropriation items. The decision to retain a limited number of unprogrammed items aims to address past concerns regarding potential misuse, which had previously impacted public trust.

Sotto highlighted efforts to minimize the risk of corruption in the 2026 budget by carefully selecting unprogrammed items. He also expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would uphold the 2026 national budget if it were challenged, referencing existing jurisprudence on unprogrammed appropriations. The Senate President noted the importance of continued vigilance during the budget's implementation, as the execution largely depends on the executive branch, despite Congress's efforts to address potential sources of abuse during the budget preparation phase.