Business group wants rules on aid distributionMANILA, Philippines — The Makati Business Club (MBC) is urging President Marcos to issue an executive order covering the rules and mechanisms for the disbursement of state financial aid and limiting confidential funds to promote transparency and accountability in the national budget. Marcos vetoed P92.5 billion worth of unprogrammed appropriations in this year’s budget, but retained P150.9 billion in unprogrammed allocations. At Monday’s budget signing ceremony, Marcos said the government will prohibit politicians from taking part in the distribution of any financial aid. Marcos said this would be strictly implemented as the government wants to ensure that the support reaches the intended beneficiaries without patronage. To further strengthen budget transparency, Ferrer expressed support for the proposed Citizens’ Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability or CADENA Act, which seeks to make public spending fully transparent, traceable and accountable.

Source: Philippine Star January 06, 2026 16:34 UTC