February 4, 2025 | 12:00am

Malacañang Assures Catholic Clergy of Transparent Budget Disbursement

MANILA, Philippines — The Palace has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and integrity in the disbursement of the 2025 national budget, addressing concerns raised by key religious leaders.

Cardinal David’s Criticism

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines president Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David expressed significant reservations in a recent pastoral letter. He pointed to the “scandalous misuse of public funds and resources” and questioned certain insertions and cuts in the allocated budget.

Executive Secretary Bersamin’s Response

In response to Cardinal David’s criticisms, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin issued a statement emphasizing stricter measures to govern budget releases. Bersamin stressed the importance of aligning budgetary decisions with national priorities, safeguarding against undue political influence.

“The funds, after undergoing lawful adjustments, will be released transparently, in compliance with good governance principles and laws,” Bersamin affirmed.

President Marcos’ Actions on Budgetary Revisions

Bersamin highlighted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s proactive role in revising the budget. Marcos has vetoed the highest amount of budgetary items in history, demonstrating a commitment to efficiency and necessity in spending.

“No president before him had ever so deeply and comprehensively purged the budget of unnecessary items,” Bersamin noted.

Marcos further directed the redirection of significant funds towards initiatives that promote social welfare and national progress.

Additional Criticism from Religious Leaders

Fr. Tito Caluag, executive director of Caritas Philippines, echoed Cardinal David’s concerns. He urged the faithful to reject the current national budget, advocating for a shift away from “ayuda-driven” spending to programs that genuinely empower communities.

“It is high time that our national budget must transition from an ayuda-driven budget, into working towards programs that really empower people,” Caluag emphasized.

Court Challenge to the Budget

However, not all opposition to the budget is coming from religious quarters. Davao City 3rd District Representative Isidro Ungab and former Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez have initiated a legal challenge. They submitted a petition to the Supreme Court claiming the 2025 GAA is unconstitutional due to blank items and inadequate allocation to education, which is mandated by the Constitution.

Marcos remains confident that the spending law will withstand legal scrutiny, emphasizing the need to protect the government’s ability to function from destabilization attempts.