On December 30, 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for Fiscal Year 2025, approving a national budget of ₱6.326 trillion. While this act supposedly reflects a commitment to addressing national priorities, the Makakalikasan Nature Party Philippines strongly denounces the glaring contradictions in its implementation, particularly the retention of pork barrel allocations that serve as instruments of patronage politics.
“Funds that should have been allocated for environmental rehabilitation and strengthening communities against the impacts of climate change are being funneled into the pockets of traditional politicians,” said Roy Jerusalem Cabonegro, President of the Makakalikasan Nature Party Philippines. “This is a blatant betrayal of our nation’s future.”
The Illusion of Fiscal Prudence
President Marcos exercised his line-item veto power to remove over ₱194 billion from the proposed budget. Among the vetoed items were:
- ₱26 billion worth of projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH): Scrutinized for alignment with administration priorities, these projects raise questions about why such allocations were initially approved.
- A staggering 300% increase in unprogrammed appropriations amounting to ₱168 billion: While the veto is touted as a measure to promote fiscal discipline, it also highlights the opaque nature of these funds, which lack definite sources and risk misuse.
- The Ayuda sa Kapos ng Kita Program (Akap): Instead of outright rejection, the President called for a “convergence process” involving multiple agencies—a move that seems more like political theater than genuine reform.
Despite these vetoes, the budget retains bloated allocations for discretionary funds, commonly known as pork barrel. This undermines the administration’s claims of fiscal prudence.
Pork Barrel: A System of Inequality
While Filipinos face devastating impacts from climate change, the pork barrel system continues to siphon resources away from critical sectors. Infrastructure funds and discretionary projects for local political allies remain intact, perpetuating a system of inequality.
“As we are battered by typhoons and calamities brought about by climate change, there is insufficient funding for disaster preparedness, yet lawmakers’ pork barrel remains enormous,” Cabonegro pointed out. “Where is the justice in this?”
The environmental sector, a key area for addressing climate resilience, remains woefully underfunded. Allocations for rehabilitation, renewable energy programs, and sustainable development projects are insufficient to meet the urgency of the climate crisis.
Empty Promises and Misplaced Priorities
The President claims that the vetoes reflect a commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility. Yet, this narrative falls apart when confronted with the realities of the approved budget:
- Insufficient Support for Social Services: Concerns from economists and policy advocates highlight the impact of the vetoes on essential services like education and health. These sectors bear the brunt of funding cuts, while unproductive political allocations remain untouched.
- Missed Opportunities for Environmental Action: The administration’s failure to prioritize renewable energy and climate adaptation betrays its supposed commitment to sustainable development.
“We cannot afford to wait any longer. The fight for a just budget is not merely an economic issue; it is about our right to live with dignity,” Cabonegro declared. “We must not allow the future of our children to be gambled away by the corrupt pork barrel system.”
Call to Action: Defend the People’s Budget!
Makakalikasan calls on Filipinos to reject the pork barrel system and demand accountability in the allocation of public funds. The 2025 national budget must address the real needs of the people—education, health, livelihood, and environmental resilience.
We urge every Filipino to act now. Mobilize your communities. Demand transparency. Hold your leaders accountable.
“If we truly care for our country, we cannot allow public funds to be wasted,” Cabonegro declared. “We must chart the course for our nation—one that ensures equality, justice, and respect for the environment.”
JUSTICE, TRANSPARENCY, AND GENUINE DEVELOPMENT—NOW!
Let this be a rallying cry for all sectors: the time to demand a budget that serves the people and the planet is now. Together, we can end the system of pork barrel and fund a future that is truly for all Filipinos.
