House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio on Monday condemned President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s veto of P43.245 billion in personnel services funding under the newly signed 2026 national budget, warning that the cut will severely affect government workers and retirees.
“I strongly condemn the veto by Pres. Marcos Jr. of P43.245 billion intended ‘For Payment of Personnel Services Requirements’ under the Unprogrammed Appropriations,” Tinio said.
“This appropriation, meant to pay for hiring of new personnel and payment of retirement benefits of civilian and uniformed personnel, was originally included in the National Expenditure Program submitted by Malacañang itself… but has now been completely cut from the GAA with the President’s veto.”
Tinio noted that the veto message offered “no explanation or justification whatsoever” for the removal of the funds, despite the fact that the allocation was initially proposed by the Palace.
“Neither has the President made any commitment that additional or supplemental appropriations to cover this deficiency will be forthcoming,” he added.
According to Tinio, P10.772 billion of the vetoed amount was earmarked for the hiring of new personnel, a cut that directly impacts more than 259,000 Job Order and Contract of Service workers in the national government.
“This includes over 41,000 professors, instructors, and administrative staff in State Universities and Colleges, who work on contracts and are deprived of regular employment status, pay, and benefits,” he said.
“The cut means they cannot be hired as regular government employees and will have to endure yet another year as underpaid yet overworked contract workers.”
The remaining P32.472 billion, Tinio explained, was intended for terminal leave benefits of retiring personnel in both the civilian and uniformed bureaucracy, including police and military.
“This can only mean that personnel benefits will be delayed or denied, with the perennial excuse of ‘lack of available funds,’” he warned.
Tinio accused the administration of diverting funds away from essential personnel services. “Pondong nilaan para sa regular na trabaho at benepisyo, inagaw, nilipat sa pork barrel, at sa huli ay tuluyan nang kinaltas ng Pangulo sa pamamagitan ng veto,” he said.
“We condemn this and call on teachers and government employees to continue fighting for sufficient funds for jobs, salaries, and benefits.”
The veto comes as the 2026 General Appropriations Act takes effect, with critics raising concerns over the impact of budget cuts on public sector workers and retirees. (RRN)
