NUP pleads for end to budget retribution vs defiant lawmakers

MANILA, Philippines — The National Unity Party (NUP) on Wednesday called for an end to withholding district funding as political punishment for lawmakers who break ranks and do not toe the line, saying the practice is a form of retribution that ultimately harms their constituencies.

“The practice of punishing districts and communities for any opinions or votes contrary to majority positions that are expressed by their representatives should be ended,” Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno told a media briefing. “We are, after all, a democracy.”

“We’re supposed to be speaking out. That’s why congressmen are here. We’re supposed to express the opinion of our districts.”

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Puno’s remarks introduces a political dimension to the “serious concern” that NUP, which he heads, aired on Wednesday, with complaints involving delayed funding releases for district infrastructure projects and social aid programs.

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READ: NUP demands changes to proposed 2027 budget over district funding delays

“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 they deserve,” the Antipolo representative said.

“So if there’s going to be retaliation, target us instead, not the district,” he added.

Puno acknowledged that withholding support for local projects has long served as an informal mechanism to maintain discipline among lawmakers.

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“There has been a practice here in Congress that when a vote is necessary, there will be consequences for those who do not follow the majority will,” he said. 

“Those consequences basically consist of non-cooperation or non-assistance in your projects with regard to your province. Sometimes it results in cancellation of projects and so on,” he added.

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Puno declined to cite specific instances or name representatives targeted by retaliatory fund withholdings. 

“I don’t want to get people into trouble,” he said, though he illustrated how lawmakers are being deprived of funding. “For example, MAIFIP (Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients) funds addressed to a particular district, then the Department of Health announces they are releasing funds directly to hospitals. But there are some places where funds are not released.”

“We have reports from some of our members that funding is not being released in their district,” he said.

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Puno said the practice of punishing lawmakers by suppressing the release of public money meant for district projects “is an affront to democracy.” /das