Kabataan Rep. Co questions BDP over ‘red-tagging, corruption’ issues; documents show only 3.6% NEP-to-NEP hike

MANILA—-Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renée Co used the House budget hearing on September 8, 2025 to question continued funding for the Barangay Development Program (BDP), tying her call to “red-tagging” concerns and citing critiques of the NTF-ELCAC. She flagged the proposed ₱8.08-billion BDP outlay for 2026 and suggested the program should be curtailed on alleged rights and corruption grounds.

Rep. Co cited negative reports from international bodies such as the United Nations Special Rapporteur and the European Union Election Observation Mission — both of which criticized the NTF-ELCAC — and raised concerns about alleged human rights violations and “red-tagging.” She noted that the agency’s budget jumped from P1.95 billion to P8.08 billion despite these international criticisms.

Official budget records, however, show that the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) for BDP of ₱8.08 billion represents only a 3.6% modest rise from the prior 2025 NEP of ₱7.8 billion. The oft-quoted “300%+ jump” compares the 2026 NEP to the much lower 2025 enacted budget (GAA) of ₱1.95 billion after Congress cut the 2025 proposal.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla firmly defended the budget hike, explaining that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. personally called for the full P10-million allocation for each of the 780 barangays cleared of communist insurgency.

“The President asked the NTF-ELCAC to submit a position paper on how to ensure that the full allocation is given to barangays cleared of communist insurgency,” Remulla said, adding that the funds will go directly to local government units (LGUs) through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to minimize opportunities for corruption.

Uncalled for

Rep. Co also attempted to cast doubt on the program’s integrity, citing the current investigation on anomalous infrastructure projects and suggesting that BDP’s wide scope of projects might as well include flood control projects.

Remulla pushed back, stressing that the comparison was “uncalled for.”

“These funds do not go through the DPWH; there is no anomalous bidding. There are no intervenors between DBM and the LGUs,” Remulla said.

DILG Undersecretary Marlo Iringan also emphasized that BDP projects are based on extensive community consultations and cover essential infrastructure such as farm-to-market roads, school buildings, water systems, health centers, and electrification projects.

“To ensure faithful implementation, we have hired over 700 engineers and project evaluation officers who monitor these projects on the ground,” Iringan said, adding that DILG partners with civil society organizations to enhance transparency.

No red-tagging

On the issue of human rights, Remulla categorically stated that “since 2022, there has been no red-tagging as directed by the President to the PNP,” noting that the current administration has dissuaded law enforcement agencies from engaging in such practices.

The DILG committed to provide Congress with a full report on the 780 barangay beneficiaries and the deployment of engineers to oversee project implementation.

“This budget directly addresses the needs of former conflict-affected communities and ensures that development reaches the grassroots,” Remulla said, underscoring that the BDP is a key element of sustaining peace in previously insurgency-affected areas.