NATIONAL BUDGET

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday approved the proposed PHP 6.793-trillion national budget for 2026, which is the highest in the country’s history. Malacañang announced that the significant spending plan will prioritize both economic growth and efforts to improve the quality of life for Filipinos.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that President Marcos Jr. gave his approval during a Cabinet meeting held earlier in the day at Malacañang. Castro quoted the President, stating that the budget aims “to raise the quality of education in the Philippines and ease the lives of Filipinos.” Marcos also underscored the importance of ensuring the 2026 budget aligns with his administration’s overarching goal of building “a more progressive and inclusive Philippines that ensures the welfare of every citizen and future generations.” Castro reiterated this vision, adding, “Under the Marcos administration, the welfare of every individual and the future of the people are vital in building a more progressive and developed Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines).”

The approved spending plan, known as the National Expenditure Program (NEP), serves as the foundation for Congress in drafting the General Appropriations Bill. This bill, once signed into law by the President, becomes the General Appropriations Act. According to the Constitution, the NEP must be submitted to Congress within 30 days following the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA). President Marcos Jr. is scheduled to deliver his fourth SONA on July 28 before a joint session of Congress.

The proposed budget is set to support key programs across various sectors, including education, infrastructure, digitalization, health, and social services.