Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is anticipating an absence of 'useless' congressional insertions in the proposed 2026 national budget, as announced by Malaca±ang. Speaking to reporters, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro expressed that Marcos would not hesitate to veto any proposed budget if changes that do not align with the administration's priorities are identified.
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro emphasized that the National Expenditure Program (NEP) was meticulously prepared and crafted by Marcos and his Cabinet. 'Sa pagsasagawa po nito, iniisa-isa po ito kasama ang Pangulo at lahat ng Cabinet secretaries. At kung anuman po ang nabuo dito, ibig sabihin po, iyan po ang dapat na paglalaanan ng pondo (In doing this, it is discussed individually with the President and all cabinet secretaries. And whatever is created here, that is what the funds should be allocated for),' Castro explained.
Castro warned against the abuse of the 'power of the purse' with unnecessary insertions, highlighting the President's wishes to prevent any non-beneficial amendments. She also mentioned that Marcos is open to making bicameral budget deliberations accessible to the public to ensure transparency in the spending plan.
When questioned about the possibility of Marcos vetoing a budget with anomalous insertions, Castro indicated that it would depend on the nature of the changes. 'Kung ang mga insertion na ito ay masasabi naman po natin na may kabuluhan, malamang po ay hindi ma-veto, pero kapag nakita po nila na wala naman po itong pupuntahan at maaaring madala lamang sa pang-aabuso, hindi po maga-atubili ang Pangulo na ito ay i-veto (If these insertions can be said to be meaningful, they probably won't be vetoed, but if they are useless and could only lead to abuse, the President will not hesitate to veto them),' she stated.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman recently cautioned about potential delays in the implementation of programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) if there are alterations to the 2026 NEP, also referred to as the President's budget. During his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos reaffirmed his stance to veto the 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) if it is not consistent with the NEP.
The NEP outlines the national government's spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year and is the foundation for Congress in drafting the GAB, which eventually becomes the General Appropriations Act upon the President's approval. On July 15, Marcos approved the proposed PHP6.793-trillion budget for 2026, marking the country's highest budget to date, aimed at supporting key programs in education, infrastructure, digitalization, health, and social services.
