NUP demands swift release of delayed DPWH and social aid funds

On September 30, the National Unity Party’s House bloc pressed the government to free funds marked “for later release” from the 2025 and 2026 budgets, arguing that many DPWH projects have been left unfinished and districts are financially squeezed. The party said roughly two-fifths of the 2026 DPWH projects have not been carried out, and that the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Health have impounded AICS and MAIFIP assistance worth about P300 million and P120 million respectively.

NUP legislators urged the inclusion of a provision in the FY 2027 General Appropriations Act that would automatically release all authorized appropriations upon the law’s effectivity, banning any “later release” tags. They accused political maneuvering of causing budget delays and warned that districts are being punished for dissenting votes. The statement also referenced earlier tensions with House leadership over impeachment votes and budget handling. No response was received from the speaker’s office or the DPWH at the time of reporting.