Marcos tells politicians to stay out of 'ayuda' programsComposite: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addresses officials at the ceremonial signing of the national budget on Monday, Jan. 5, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the 2026 national budget into law, he declared that politicians would be barred from participating in the distribution of financial assistance, a move aimed at curbing patronage in welfare programs. Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the executive branch will issue "guidelines” governing the disbursement of financial aid under the new provision. As an example, Recto said politicians would be disallowed from attending aid distribution events. Critics have said such programs have fostered dependence on politician-sponsors, with patients needing guarantee letters from politicians to secure hospital assistance.

Source: Philippine Star January 05, 2026 17:13 UTC