The progressive group Bayan Muna has raised concerns over the increase in unprogrammed funds in the 2024 national budget, stating that it is unconstitutional and may lead to corruption. The House Committee on Appropriations Chairman, Rep. Elizaldy Co (Ako Bicol), revealed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. maintained the unprogrammed funds in the 2024 General Appropriations Act. These funds, totaling around P800 billion, are intended for anti-inflationary measures, including the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita program and rice subsidies.
While Rep. Co argues that the unprogrammed funds will directly benefit the near-poor Filipino population if there are excess revenues, Bayan Muna Chairman Neri Colmenares disagrees. Colmenares asserts that the additional allocation, which increased the budget beyond the National Expenditure Program, violates the provision in the Constitution that prohibits Congress from increasing the appropriations recommended by the President.
Colmenares criticizes the government’s defense that the extra funds will only be spent if government collections exceed the resource targets. He believes that a significant amount of unprogrammed funds is usually spent at the end of each year when the government suddenly claims to have additional sources. This practice, according to Colmenares, leads to the government borrowing money to create the illusion of new sources, potentially resulting in more debts and loans.
The Bayan Muna Chairman attributes these questionable insertions to the “unchecked and unregulated power” of the bicameral conference committee, which harmonizes conflicting provisions in the bills of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Colmenares argues that this is a transgression of the Constitution, as the power to legislate is granted solely to both houses of Congress and not a bicameral committee. He also criticizes the lack of transparency surrounding the bicameral meeting, which was held in private venues instead of government buildings accessible to the media and the public.
Bayan Muna plans to challenge the insertions made by the bicameral conference committee in the Supreme Court. Colmenares believes that comprehensive reform on rules and procedures in budgeting and legislating is necessary to prevent wastage of public funds. He is confident that the increase in the budget and the untrammeled powers of the bicameral committee will not survive a constitutional challenge in the Supreme Court.
In response to these concerns, Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman clarifies that the unprogrammed funds are “standby appropriations,” separate from the approved government fiscal program. Pangandaman emphasizes that these funds are intended to address unforeseen expenditures and prioritize essential programs and projects. She assures that there are built-in safeguards to prevent unconstitutional spending.
The release of unprogrammed funds is contingent on meeting several funding conditions. These conditions include the Bureau of the Treasury collecting excess revenue or income, or the realization of foreign or approved financial loans or grant proceeds. Government agencies must also submit necessary requirements before gaining access to the standby fund. Pangandaman assures transparency in the utilization of the national budget.
In conclusion, the increase in unprogrammed funds in the 2024 national budget has sparked concerns over its constitutionality and potential for corruption. While Rep. Co believes that these funds will benefit the Filipino population, Bayan Muna Chairman Colmenares argues that the additional allocation violates the Constitution. The issue highlights the need for transparency and comprehensive reform in budgeting and legislating to prevent wastage of public funds. The Supreme Court may ultimately decide the fate of these unprogrammed funds, ensuring that constitutional provisions are upheld and public funds are utilized responsibly.
Source: The Manila Times
