Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is committed to ensuring that the proposed PHP6.793-trillion national budget for 2026 remains free of irregularities and congressional insertions, as confirmed by Malaca±ang.
According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized in a press briefing that the President desires the budget to be properly executed and allocated to appropriate programs that will benefit the future of the country. This statement follows Senator Panfilo Lacson’s highlighting of alleged insertions amounting to PHP100 billion in the 2025 General Appropriations Act by several senators in the 19th Congress.
Castro reiterated that Marcos is firmly against any form of congressional insertions, particularly in light of the ongoing investigation into suspicious flood control projects. These projects have revealed irregularities and have implicated certain lawmakers. Castro urged lawmakers involved in these questionable projects to have ‘learned their lessons’ by now.
She also noted that Marcos would not hesitate to veto the 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) if it contains any questionable or irregular provisions. Castro pointed out that although the President may not have been fully aware of the specific insertions made by certain senators in previous budgets, he is now more vigilant.
In her briefing, Castro highlighted the public’s outrage over these issues, which the President shares, stressing the need for lawmakers to fulfill their mandate as genuine public servants.
In July, President Marcos approved the proposed 2026 national budget, prioritizing economic growth and the improvement of Filipinos’ quality of life. Last week, he announced the reallocation of PHP255.55 billion, originally earmarked for the Department of Public Works and Highways’ flood control projects, to priority programs of other government agencies. Castro stated that Marcos prefers these funds to be allocated to programs that will provide greater benefits to Filipinos.