Manila, Aug. 20 -- Malacanang on Thursday assured the public that the proposed PHP3.06-billion allocation for the construction of evacuation centers under the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP) will not be used as an election or campaign fund.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro gave the assurance after Sen. Panfilo Lacson raised concerns over the uniform PHP180-million allocation for each region.

Speaking to Palace reporters, Castro also dismissed concerns that the projects could become "ghost projects," saying President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. would not allow such a situation to happen under his administration.

"Sa pangamba na ito ay magagamit sa eleksyon, marami po tayong paraan para makita natin kung may mga proyektong napondoh...