Public scrutiny over the misuse of government funds, the squabble between the Marcos and Duterte clans and their allies, and the local and senatorial midterm elections are expected to dominate Philippine politics this year.

Last year ended with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signing the budget bill amid protests from the opposition and various sectors over the inadequate funding for social services and the reported bloated allocation for pork barrel projects. Critics say that the budget is designed to boost the electoral chances of the president’s allies by rewarding legislators with additional funds to distribute to their constituents under the guise of providing financial and medical assistance to the poor.

Some are even considering challenging the constitutionality of the budget realignments made by Congress. Protests are scheduled this month to condemn the “crooked” budget and the “hypocrisy” of Marcos, whose confidential and intelligence funds (CIFs) remain intact while........

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