President Marcos: Don’t use aid programs for political gainMANILA, Philippines — The government’s aid programs should not be used to gain mileage or to engage in politicking, President Marcos said yesterday, as he pushed for simpler and more efficient means of delivering assistance and services. In his latest vlog, Marcos responded to messages from the public, including a complaint about senior citizens having to endure long waits from speeches of politicians before they receive aid. “With regard to the programs of the national government, speeches and other ways to attract attention before distribution are not allowed,” the President said. Marcos said the possible digitizing of the aid distribution process, such as sending the money through GCash, is being discussed. Marcos, however, did not veto the “soft pork barrel” included by Congress in the 2026 General Appropriations Act, which various groups had criticized for allowing politicians to use state-funded aid programs for self-promotion.

Source: Philippine Star March 08, 2026 17:31 UTC