Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has mobilized his team to conduct an immediate review of the amounts and provisions agreed upon in the bicameral conference committee version of the proposed 2026 national budget, Malaca±ang said on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez stated that the President will spend the holidays working to ensure that all changes to the originally submitted National Expenditure Program (NEP) are properly traced and carefully reviewed. Gomez emphasized the President's commitment to aligning public funds with the administration's priorities, ensuring the efficient and proper use of taxpayers' money.

Gomez further explained that the review process underscores the President's dedication to transparency, accountability, and responsible fiscal management. He noted that this thorough review aims to ensure that taxpayers' money is effectively utilized, contributing to societal goals that will benefit all Filipinos, in line with the President's pronouncements in the last State of the Nation Address.

The Senate and the House of Representatives concluded the bicameral conference committee deliberations on the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) on Dec. 18. To facilitate further examination, the Senate has extended its session calendar, providing lawmakers with additional time to review the proposed national budget.

The proposed 2026 GAA is anticipated to be ratified by the Senate on Dec. 29 once the enrolled bill is finalized and circulated to all members.