Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has issued a strong rebuttal against allegations made by ACT Teachers party-list Representative Antonio Tinio regarding the 2026 national budget. The lawmaker labeled the claims as "baseless and grossly misleading."
Defending Senate Budget Adjustments
In a statement released on December 20, 2025, Gatchalian firmly addressed Tinio's accusation that the Senate had inserted P17.9 billion in so-called "pork barrel" funds into allocations for Local Government Units (LGUs). The senator emphasized that all adjustments made by the Senate to the national budget were conducted with full transparency and in strict compliance with constitutional mandates.
LGSF: An Investment, Not Pork
Gatchalian clarified that the increase in the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) should not be mischaracterized as pork barrel spending. He argued that this fund represents a critical investment in the lifeblood of communities across the Philippines.
By strengthening the financial capacity of LGUs, the government aims to ensure that resources effectively reach the grassroots level. Gatchalian highlighted that these funds are urgently needed for vital services, including the construction and maintenance of health centers and classrooms, as well as for enhancing disaster preparedness programs.
Clarification on Personnel Benefits Fund
The senator also addressed concerns related to the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund (MPBF). He explained that the reduction in this fund should not be interpreted as a cut to the legitimate salaries or benefits of government employees.
Gatchalian pointed out that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has itself clarified the purpose of the MPBF. According to the DBM, this is a reserve fund intended to cover contingencies, and not a direct allocation for employee compensation.
This rebuttal from Senator Gatchalian sets the stage for further debate on the 2026 national budget's allocation, underscoring the ongoing tension between legislative prerogatives and public accountability in government spending.
