BAYAN urges bicameral panel to disclose list of ‘allocables’ in 2026 budget

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) on Sunday called on the bicameral conference committee to make public the complete list of so-called “allocables,” which the group claims are a new form of pork barrel embedded in the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB).

In a statement, BAYAN said transparency is crucial as lawmakers reconcile the differing versions of the national budget approved separately by the House of Representatives and the Senate. The group warned that the alleged “allocables” could allow legislators to discreetly channel public funds to favored projects without clear accountability.

“These ‘allocables’ are being treated as a new version of pork barrel,” BAYAN said, stressing that the lack of public disclosure raises serious concerns over misuse of public funds and potential corruption.

The group urged members of the bicameral conference committee to release details on the amount, purpose, and intended beneficiaries of the allocables, saying the public has the right to know how taxpayer money will be spent.

BAYAN also reiterated its long-standing position against pork barrel funds, arguing that similar mechanisms in the past had been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court and were linked to widespread corruption scandals.

“The budget process must be transparent and participatory,” the group said, adding that any provision that allows discretionary allocation by lawmakers undermines good governance and public trust.

The bicameral conference committee is currently finalizing the 2026 national budget, which will later be ratified by both chambers of Congress and submitted to the President for approval. As deliberations continue, BAYAN called on civil society groups and the public to closely monitor the process to ensure that the final budget serves the interests of the Filipino people rather than political patronage.