Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said that almost all members of the Senate have inserted at least ₱100 billion in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
According to Lacson, these are individual insertions placed for projects but listed as “for later release.” He added that before the PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) was declared unconstitutional in 2013, the funds under control only amounted to hundreds of millions. Now, he said, it has jumped to at least ₱100 billion for the 24 senators.
Lacson emphasized that although the insertions are not illegal, they are possibly questionable because each senator is allegedly inserting a project worth ₱5 billion to ₱9 billion. According to him, this could affect the economy because this money should have been allocated to planned projects of the barangays, cities, and regions.
Meanwhile, Senator Erwin Tulfo said that lawmakers should not interfere in the implementation of infrastructure projects. He said their job is to make laws, not to arrange bidding or funds for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Lacson added that lawmakers should show self-restraint and avoid using leadership funds that give them the opportunity to insert projects into the National Expenditure Program (NEP) itself.
According to former Senator Franklin Drilon, there needs to be a stricter review of budget changes. He said projects not included in the NEP should first be placed in “for later release” and reviewed before the funds are used.
Finally, Lacson said it is time for Congress to begin reforms to restore the people's trust through a transparent and pork-free budget.
