MANILA — National Unity Party member at the House expressed “serious concerns” over supposed delays in the release of funds for infrastructure and social programs in some areas, calling it a punishment for districts whose representatives "do not follow the majority’s will”.
The NUP has historically been supportive of the sitting president and the House leadership.
In a statement, the NUP said that appropriations for infrastructure projects, for aid programs like Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations, and for social services already authorized under the General Appropriations Act should not be “arbitrarily impounded”.
NUP Chairperson Ronaldo Puno, House deputy speaker and Antipolo congressman, said: “When a congressman does not vote the way the majority wants us to vote, it is not the correct reaction to deprive their constituents and their voters, and their communities of whatever assistance that they deserve."
He said consequences for votes should fall on lawmakers, not their constituents.
“There are many members in our party that have suffered some consequences,” he added.
Puno said “approximately 40% of [Department of Public Works and Highways] projects for 2026 still are awaiting execution”, adding some projects already identified and funded were later "declared non-implementable by the department’s district offices, without explanation."
The NUP said funds already allocated to the districts or sectors under the AICS and Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients programs amounting to P300 million and P120 million respectively have supposedly been “withheld or impounded”.
The NUP called on for the release of all funding for infrastructure projects under the 2025 and 2026 national budgets, including for items tagged For Later Release.
Puno said party support for the proposed 2027 General Appropriations Act will depend on if these issues are resolved.
He acknowledged the House might still pass the proposed budget bill even without the NUP, which has 58 members.
Puno said he has discussed the matter with House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos of Ilocos Norte and that he believes the president's son "is in sympathy with the position of NUP."
He said he is optimistic for "some good solution on this matter."
House Speaker Faustino Dy III of Isabela has yet to respond to the issues NUP raised.