P500 Noche Buena Budget Sparks Outrage Amid Corruption Scandal

Secretary Cristina Roque

P500 Noche Buena Budget Sparks Outrage Amid Corruption Scandal

By Bing Jabadan | TheNATIONWEEK.Com | November 29, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – As the Noche Buena festivities draw near, a contentious debate has erupted, igniting public outrage and calls for accountability.

The controversy stems from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque’s claim that a family could celebrate the traditional feast for just P500, a statement that has been met with skepticism and ridicule from lawmakers and citizens alike.

Compounding the situation, a former engineer from the Department of Public Works and Highways has returned a fraction of his alleged corrupt gains, highlighting the ongoing issue of kleptocracy plaguing the nation.

Is P500 Noche Buena Feasible?

Roque’s assertion has faced intense backlash for appearing disconnected from the realities faced by many Filipinos struggling with rising inflation and economic hardships.

“On what planet can a family celebrate Noche Buena with just P500?” asked Bicol Saro Party-List Rep. Terry Ridon.

Lawmakers argue that even a simple spaghetti dish, a staple of Noche Buena, would exceed the proposed budget.

Akbayan Party-List Rep. Percival Cendaña criticized the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) claim as insulting, suggesting that P500 might only be realistic “if we could turn back time.”

The Kabataan Party-List also expressed its discontent, advocating for wage increases and accountability for corrupt officials.

“It should be the corrupt who are forced to make do with a P500 Noche Buena. They must return what they have stolen. We need lower prices and higher wages. The first step is to hold major plunderers accountable,” the group said.

The controversy underscores the widening gap between the government’s perception of economic conditions and the lived experiences of many Filipinos.

Kleptocrat’s Partial Return: A Step in the Right Direction?

Amid the Noche Buena budget debate, former DPWH Bulacan District Engineer Henry Alcantara returned P110 million to the Department of Justice (DOJ), a mere fraction of the P300 million he allegedly received in kickbacks from flood control projects.

Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida hailed the return as a “recovery of the people’s money,” yet concerns remain about the remaining P190 million and the extent of Alcantara’s corrupt activities.

Currently under the Witness Protection Program, Alcantara is seeking to become a state witness, contingent on his full cooperation and truthful testimony.

While the restitution is viewed as a positive gesture, it remains uncertain whether he will receive immunity from prosecution.

The case highlights the entrenched corruption within government institutions and the ongoing struggle to hold wrongdoers accountable.

A Divided Nation: Inequality and the Pursuit of Justice

The contrasting narratives surrounding the unrealistic Noche Buena budget and the limited restitution by the kleptocrat reveal the profound inequalities afflicting Philippine society.

While ordinary citizens grapple with basic needs, corrupt officials continue to siphon off public funds, exacerbating economic disparities.

The public outcry against Secretary Roque’s comments and the scrutiny of Alcantara’s case reflect a growing demand for transparency, accountability, and equitable resource distribution.

As the holiday season approaches, the government faces increasing pressure to address these pressing issues and restore public trust.