Ateneo Flags Anomalies in Budget Distribution, Cites Surging Funds for Key Offices

Manila, Philippines — The Ateneo School of Government has released data exposing alleged anomalies in the allocation of the national budget, pointing to ballooning funds for key government offices and questionable spending that may be fueling the country’s growing debt.

According to the findings, government agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) receive large budget appropriations, but portions are later cut and redirected to other branches of government. Ateneo researchers warned that this practice, coupled with poor budget management, forces some agencies to borrow, further contributing to the national debt burden.

The 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) bicameral report revealed substantial allocations to both the Executive and Legislative branches: ₱17.3 billion to the House of Representatives, ₱5 billion to the Office of the President (OP), and ₱1 billion to the Senate. Data also showed a sharp surge in the OP’s budget by 461%, the Office of the Vice President by 47%, and the Senate by 275%. These increases, Ateneo suggested, raise serious concerns over potential corruption and misuse of public funds.

“These figures highlight unusual spikes in taxpayer money channeled to various branches of government. Some of these funds may even be directed to projects and confidential allocations,” the Ateneo report noted.

The study also tracked the dramatic rise in funding for flood control projects. From only ₱42 billion in 2015, the allocation surged to ₱128 billion in 2022, ₱192 billion in 2023, ₱244 billion in 2024, and ₱254 billion this year — despite persistent reports of incomplete or anomalous projects.

“If the administration is serious about weeding out corruption, we demand that it conduct institutional scrutiny up to the highest echelon of power,” Ateneo stressed.

The findings add to mounting public concerns about the transparency and accountability of government spending, particularly as the country continues to grapple with rising debt and questions over flood-control programs.