MANILA – Malacañang on Friday issued a pointed challenge to the Makabayan bloc in Congress, demanding specific names and detailed evidence to support their assertions regarding alleged “allocable funds” earmarked for lawmakers’ pet projects within the proposed 2026 national budget. The Palace insisted that the sweeping claims must be backed by verifiable data.

The demand comes after the Makabayan bloc alleged that, despite the Marcos administration’s vigorous denial of budget irregularities, significant “pork barrel” funds persist. They claimed this illicit spending is disguised in the form of “congressional allocables” for infrastructure, party-list allocations, and “presidential pork” hidden within the Unprogrammed Appropriations and the combined Confidential and Intelligence Funds.

The bloc also specifically criticized the House leadership, accusing them of attempting to conceal a staggering PHP695.78 billion in alleged pork barrel insertions, which they categorized as “hard pork” (infrastructure “allocables”) and “soft pork” (social welfare programs).

Sought for an official reaction, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro directly addressed the opposition’s claims: “Nasaan ‘yun? Ituro nila para makasagot tayo nang tama (Where is that? Let them point it out so we can respond properly).”

“If they are merely saying that there are allocable funds for lawmakers’ pet projects, then they should provide us with the list, point them out, and specify which lawmakers these are,” Castro further elaborated, placing the burden of proof squarely on the Makabayan bloc.

Administration Cites Substantial Anti-Corruption Gains

In rebuffing the allegations, Castro emphasized the Marcos administration’s unwavering commitment to stamping out corruption across all tiers of government, citing substantial strides made in its comprehensive reform efforts.

Castro provided updated government data to highlight the administration’s ongoing campaign against malfeasance:

Commission on Audit (COA): Has filed 21 fraud audit reports.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH): Has lodged 13 complaints after successfully uncovering 421 ghost flood control projects.
Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR): Has filed four tax evasion cases.
Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI): Has filed one case, with 15 more scheduled to be lodged in the coming weeks.
Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC): Has successfully frozen assets totaling PHP5.2 billion, including various bank accounts, insurance policies, vehicles, real estate properties, and e-wallets linked to individuals allegedly involved in corrupt activities.

Furthermore, Castro noted that Immigration Lookout Bulletin Orders (ILBOs) have been issued against 92 personalities and persons of interest—a proactive measure taken to prevent their flight from potential prosecution.

Commitment to Sustained Vigilance

Castro concluded by reaffirming President Marcos Jr.’s dedication to sustaining the rigorous campaign against corruption, ensuring accountability and continuous vigilance over the national coffers.

“President Marcos Jr. assures that the government’s efforts to hold accountable all those who are guilty will not end here. The fight against corruption will continue,” she stated.

She concluded by underscoring the purpose of these measures: “These steps aim to further strengthen the administration’s commitment to protect the welfare of every citizen and safeguard the nation’s coffers.” The Palace’s unified message is one of transparency, demanding specificity from critics while showcasing its track record of ongoing anti-corruption enforcement.