NATIONAL BUDGET
DBM submits to Marcos Jr. P6.79-trillion proposed budget for 2026
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was presented with the proposed P6.793-trillion National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2026 by Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on Tuesday, August 12. This proposed budget is the largest in the nation’s history, representing a 7.4% increase from the P6.326-trillion budget for 2025.
The theme of the 2026 budget is “Agenda for Prosperity: Nurturing Future-Ready Generations to Achieve the Full Potential of the Nation.” It aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and focuses on priorities such as education, infrastructure, digitalization, health, and social services. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is scheduled to submit the NEP to Congress on Wednesday, August 13.
The proposed budget for 2026 is equivalent to 22% of the country’s gross domestic product. A significant portion of the budget, P2.639 trillion, is allocated for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses, while P1.908 trillion is set aside for Personnel Services. Capital Outlays for infrastructure projects will receive P1.296 trillion, and Financial Expenses are allocated P950 billion.
The turnover ceremony at Malacañang included a copy of the President’s Budget Message in both English and Filipino, which Marcos reportedly approved with the comment, “Good!” The budget, which was approved by Marcos on July 15, will now undergo deliberation in Congress before being passed into law. Marcos has previously stated that he would veto any General Appropriations Bill that does not align with the NEP.
