President Marcos: Don’t use aid programs for political gain

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March 9, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The government’s aid programs should not be used to gain mileage or to engage in politicking, President Marcos said yesterday, as he pushed for simpler and more efficient means of delivering assistance and services.

In his latest vlog, Marcos responded to messages from the public, including a complaint about senior citizens having to endure long waits from speeches of politicians before they receive aid.

He explained that a provision of the 2026 national budget, and a memorandum circular of the interior and local government department, state how public funds should be used and bar the use of government services for self-promotion.

“With regard to the programs of the national government, speeches and other ways to attract attention before distribution are not allowed,” the President said.

“Government services cannot be used for politicking and self-promotion,” he added.

Marcos said the possible digitizing of the aid distribution process, such as sending the money through GCash, is being discussed. He noted that some local governments like Makati are moving to adopt the system.

“Other local government units should also look into this model. Study the system and implement it slowly. As long as it comes from the national government, it will be fast. There is no need to listen to the lengthy speeches of politicians,” he said.

Marcos, however, did not veto the “soft pork barrel” included by Congress in the 2026 General Appropriations Act, which various groups had criticized for allowing politicians to use state-funded aid programs for self-promotion.

These include the controversial Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Persons or MAIFIP, which 72 medical and healthcare organizations wanted abolished from the GAA, as well as the Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).

Discipline campaign

Marcos said the government would launch a program promoting discipline in the coming weeks.

“There is a need for a stronger campaign on discipline. We will launch a program in the succeeding weeks. The MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) Disiplina Campaign, that is ready to roll out,” he said.

“There is a need for a stronger campaign on discipline. We will launch a program in the succeeding weeks. The MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) Disiplina Campaign, that is ready to roll out,” he said.