Manila: Malaca±ang on Thursday expressed optimism that Congress would fast-track the passage of the proposed 2026 national budget, warning that reliance on a reenacted 2025 appropriations could pose challenges to government operations. 'Mas mahihirapan po tayo kapag may reenacted budget. At kaya po nasabi natin na hangga't maaari ay mapabilis (We will face more difficulties if there is a reenacted budget. That is why we said that, as much as possible, the process should be expedited,' Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in an interview over dzMM.

According to Philippines News Agency, Castro emphasized the importance of timely deliberation and approval of the proposed 2026 national budget to ensure smooth government functions. She said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. prefers that Congress approve the proposed budget for 2026 on schedule rather than defaulting to a reenacted budget. A reenacted budget is a continuation of the previous year's appropriations and is used when a new budget is not enacted on time.

Asked about concerns over time constraints raised by lawmakers, Castro said Marcos shared the same sentiment. 'Kaya po nasabi natin na hangga't maaari ay mapabilis. Sana hindi po kapusin ang oras. Opo, kakayanin naman po at siguro, let's just pray na mapabilis. Wala na sana pong mga delay pa (That is why we said, as much as possible, the process should be expedited. Hopefully, there will be no shortage of time. Yes, it can be done, and let's just pray that it will be fast. Hopefully, there will be no further delays),' Castro said.

Castro also assured the public that Marcos would be meticulous in reviewing the 2026 budget proposal despite time pressure. 'Kahit sabihin kahit hindi natulugan ito para maaral ng mabuti ay gagawin ng Pangulo (Even if it means working without sleep to review it thoroughly, the President will do it),' she said.