TARLAKENYO (Jan. 5, 2026) — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday signed into law the P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026, vetoing nearly P92.5 billion in unprogrammed appropriations which he called “not blank checks” and vowing stronger safeguards against corruption.
In his speech during the signing ceremony at the Palace, the President assured the public that his administration would exercise greater prudence and responsibility in managing the budget, responding to public concerns over past fund misallocations and scandals. “We feel your anxiety. We hear you. In the 2026 national budget, the direction of your government is clear: we will be more careful, more prudent, and more responsible in spending public funds,” Marcos stated.
The vetoed unprogrammed funds, often criticized as discretionary and vulnerable to misuse, were reduced after lawmakers earlier flagged their rise to over P200 billion. The President emphasized that releases from these standby funds would only proceed if revenue targets are exceeded or additional foreign grants materialize.
Key Allocations
- The budget prioritizes education, healthcare, agriculture, and social services:
- Education receives the largest share at P1.345 trillion, funding 32,916 teaching and 32,268 non-teaching positions and the construction of 24,964 classrooms nationwide.
- Healthcare is allocated P448.125 billion, its highest-ever budget, to support the Universal Health Care program and hire more health professionals.
- Agriculture gets P297.102 billion to boost food security and modernize farming and fishing systems.
- Social services are allotted P270.189 billion, with an additional P15.33 billion for disaster rehabilitation and local government support.
Lawmaker’s Support
Senator Bam Aquino welcomed the approval of the budget, particularly highlighting its education component. In a Facebook post, he stated: “Good news! Aprubado na ng Pangulo ang 2026 National Budget. Panalo ang kabataang Pilipino sa P1.34 trilyong budget na ito para sa edukasyon. Mapopondohan na ang mahahalagang programang magpapalakas at magpapabuti sa sektor. Sama-sama nating bantayan ang paggamit ng pondong ito, hanggang sa kahuli-hulihang sentimo, upang masigurong mapupunta ito sa edukasyon at hindi sa korapsyon.”
The budget was passed after delays in the Bicameral Conference Committee, reaching the Office of the President on December 29, 2025, just two days before the 2025 budget expired. The signing comes amid ongoing public scrutiny over alleged corruption in past infrastructure projects and slow-moving graft investigations.
President Marcos concluded his remarks with a call for public vigilance: “We will work to improve the system, strengthen accountability, and end corruption. I hope every Filipino will join us in watching, questioning, reporting, and participating—this is how a working democracy functions.”
