A group of teachers has strongly questioned the Marcos administration’s veto of ₱43.245 billion in the 2026 national budget that was intended for the hiring of new employees and retirement benefits of government workers.
In a statement, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines criticized what it called the “misleading and deceptive” explanation of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) regarding the veto.
According to ACT Chairperson Ruby Bernardo, the DBM has offered too many excuses to cover up what she described as the President’s wrongdoing.
Bernardo said it is clear that among the funds removed and not approved by the President was the ₱43.2 billion allocated for the salaries and regularization of teachers and other government employees, as well as benefits intended for those nearing retirement.
The group also raised concerns over what it described as questionable pork barrel allocations, including the ₱243 billion in unprogrammed appropriations and so-called “soft pork” funds for programs such as AICS, MAIFIP, TUPAD, and LGU-related pork barrel items included in the 2026 budget.
At the same time, Bernardo stressed that the administration continues to prioritize personal and political interests over public service.
She added that the government appears unable to abandon what she called bad practices and self-serving interests, resulting in a budget that ultimately benefits those in power rather than the public.
