Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remains optimistic about the timely approval of the proposed 2026 national budget, as confirmed by Malaca±ang following the conclusion of the bicameral conference committee deliberations by Congress.

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that the President is assured that the final version of the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) will be sent to Malaca±ang promptly and signed before the year's end. Castro expressed this in a text message, highlighting the President's confidence in a well-prepared budget.

The Senate and the House of Representatives concluded the bicameral conference committee discussions early Thursday morning. The deliberations, which lasted six days, aimed at reconciling differing provisions of the budget measure to ensure it is both transparent and responsive. The committee finalized its work at 2:22 a.m., successfully addressing the conflicting provisions of the PHP6.793-trillion General Appropriations Bill.

Malaca±ang previously noted that President Marcos is actively monitoring the budget process, emphasizing the necessity of a national budget that bolsters economic growth, social services, and priority government programs, while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

The ratification of the proposed 2026 budget and its transmittal to the President is targeted for December 29, as stated by Senate Committee on Finance chairperson Sherwin Gatchalian in an interview following the committee meeting. Upon receiving the budget, the President has until the year's end to sign it into law or use his line-item veto power, adhering to constitutional deadlines.