Manila: The newly signed General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2026 will enable the government to effectively respond to disasters and other calamities, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The DILG emphasized that the 2026 national budget will also aid in sustaining peace and order efforts throughout the country, as highlighted in a statement welcoming the signing of Republic Act (RA) No. 12314.
According to Philippines News Agency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed RA 12314 on Monday, which outlines the PHP6.793-trillion national budget for 2026, the largest annual spending plan in the country's history. This budget aligns with the government's medium- and long-term development plans, focusing on uplifting the lives of Filipinos by advancing education reform, health protection, food security, and job creation.
The DILG stated that the enactment of the budget will empower local government units (LGUs) to address local development priorities, expand access to livelihoods, and build safer and more resilient communities. It further noted that the budget reaffirms the government's commitment to strengthening local governance, public safety, and responsive service delivery for the Filipino people.
Meanwhile, several business groups have recognized government efforts to ensure transparency and judicious use of this year's national budget. The Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) welcomed Marcos' decision to veto unprogrammed funds, which amounted to over PHP90 billion. FINEX stated that this decision "sends a strong signal to markets, taxpayers, and institutions that fiscal discipline and accountability remain priorities."
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) also expressed approval of the 2026 national budget, emphasizing the hope that taxpayers' money will be wisely spent and utilized in ways that benefit all Filipinos. PCCI president Ferdinand Ferrer highlighted the veto on some unprogrammed projects as a decisive step toward promoting fiscal discipline, accountability, and transparency in government spending.
The Makati Business Club (MBC) noted improvements in this year's national budget, particularly the increase in the education budget to PHP1.34 trillion, which accounts for about 4.36 percent of domestic output. This increase aligns with the global benchmark of 4 percent. Additionally, the agriculture sector budget was raised to PHP214.39 billion, the highest in over a decade. The funding for the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards or Project NOAH and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) was also reinstated.
The MBC summarized that the 2026 General Appropriations Act represents an improved budget compared to previous years, both in terms of allocation focus and process transparency. The organization emphasized the necessity of information and transparency in combating corruption, adding that a truly engaged citizenry will serve as the real antidote.
