Bicam restores unprogrammed funds to P243 billionLawmakers pose for a photo after bicam sessions wrap up on December 18, 2025. In the Senate-approved General Appropriations Bill, unprogrammed appropriations were reduced to P174.55 billion – P68.66 billion lower than the House-approved allocation of P243.22 billion. From the House-approved allocation of P243.2 billion, the bicam raised the UA to P243.4 – an increase of about P178.1 million. There are guidelines and rules in place to prevent the funds to be diverted to flood control,” Gatchalian said. Calls to strengthen congressional oversight have grown following repeated findings of irregularities in major infrastructure and assistance programs, particularly flood control projects and lump-sum funds.

Source: Philippine Star December 20, 2025 17:00 UTC