Manila, Jan. 5 -- Malacanang on Monday said the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) explicitly prohibits politicians from participating in the distribution of cash and other forms of financial assistance, a safeguard the Palace described as a first in the national budget.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the restriction is contained in a general provision of the Republic Act 12314, or the 2026 GAA, and will be strictly enforced.

"Kung hindi ako nagkakamali (If I'm not mistaken), there is a special provision in the budget, or a general provision in the budget, na bawal ang pulitiko (that prohibits politicians) during the actual disbursement," Recto said.

"So susundin natin ang guidelines na 'yan (So we will follow those guidelines...