Palace dares Magalong: Prove misuse of P6.326 trillion budget

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang yesterday dared Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong to show proof that this year’s P6.326-trillion budget was meant to be an “election fund” as it maintained that the government’s aid programs are accessible to everyone, not just politicians.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Magalong should present his evidence so the government could examine it and launch an investigation.

“Will he (Magalong) be a witness in the cases filed? We respect the view of Mayor Magalong, but it would be better if he already has the evidence proving that it (budget) was used as an election fund,” Castro said in a press briefing.

“It would be difficult to make accusations if the details are not provided because it could destroy the image of the government. It would also destroy all politicians, most of whom are innocent. So if there is evidence, and there is a case related to the GAA (General Appropriations Act) and the enrolled bill, he should provide it to clarify the issue,” she added.

Castro said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has clarified that anybody can refer persons who wish to benefit from its assistance programs.

“This means the fund can be used not just by politicians. Even those who are not incumbents and who are running but who have valid requests, they can be vetted by the DSWD and they can write a letter of referral and the DSWD will help them,” the Palace press officer said.

On Wednesday, Magalong described the 2025 national budget as “election funds” and vowed to fight corruption in the country.

In January, Davao City 3rd District Rep. Isidro Ungab and former executive secretary Vic Rodriguez asked the Supreme Court to declare the 2025 budget unconstitutional, citing the supposed blank items in the spending law.

President Marcos has denied that the budget contains blank items and has expressed confidence that the appropriations law would be able to withstand legal scrutiny.