Congress clarified that the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Bill includes a provision prohibiting politicians from participating in the distribution of government cash and non-cash assistance programs.
The clarification was made following the approval of the 2026 national budget by the bicameral conference committee. Lawmakers said the restriction is intended to set clear boundaries on the role of elected officials in the implementation of social assistance programs funded under the national budget.
House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Rep. Mika Suansing said the prohibition covers several major government assistance initiatives. These include the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients, the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation, and the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged and Displaced Workers program.
Suansing said the provision applies to both cash and non-cash forms of assistance, emphasizing that politicians are barred from directly taking part in the distribution process. She noted that the rule is included in the final version of the budget approved by the bicameral panel composed of members of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
She added that a digital copy of the 2026 General Appropriations Bill will be sent to members of Congress. This will allow lawmakers to review the entire measure before it is submitted for ratification by both chambers.
Congress is aiming for the early approval of the 2026 national budget, according to Suansing. She said this goal was supported by the earlier submission of the National Expenditure Program by the executive department, which allowed lawmakers to begin deliberations ahead of schedule.
The General Appropriations Bill serves as the government’s annual spending plan and outlines how public funds will be allocated across agencies and programs for the coming fiscal year.
