EDITORIAL — Overseeing themselvesThe two chambers of Congress have ethics committees, so it’s reasonable for lawmakers to believe they can police themselves when it comes to the utilization of the ever-growing types of unconditional aid or ayuda incorporated into the 2026 General Appropriations Act. The same goes for the other pork giniling aid programs, such as the Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations, which has been institutionalized in this year’s national budget. Malacañang said the GAA prohibits elective officials from playing any role in the distribution of all state-funded aid programs. But there is no prohibition on elective officials’ endorsement of beneficiaries before the aid is released or service is provided. That’s billions in taxpayers’ money at the disposal of elective officials for their personal patronage.

Source: Philippine Star January 07, 2026 16:39 UTC