President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is foregoing the traditional holiday slowdown as Malacañang prepares for a critical review of the proposed ₱6.793 trillion 2026 national budget, with Congress moving to ratify the measure before yearend.
Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez said the President has already mobilized his economic and budget teams even ahead of the formal ratification of the bicameral conference committee report.
“The President will be spending the holidays working. As early as now, the President is already mobilizing his team to facilitate the immediate review of all amounts and corresponding provisions agreed in the bi-cam and trace the changes made from the originally submitted National Expenditure Program (NEP),” Gomez said.
Gomez said the early review is meant to ensure that every peso in the spending bill aligns with national priorities and delivers concrete benefits to Filipinos.
“This thorough review will ensure that taxpayers’ money will be put to good use, contributing to the attainment of societal goals that will be felt by all Filipinos, consistent with his pronouncement in the last State of the Nation Address,” he added.
Congress has set December 29 for the ratification of the bicam report, a day before lawmakers adjourn session on December 30, tightening the timeline for presidential action on the budget.
While Malacañang has yet to announce a signing date, the Palace’s early preparations highlight the administration’s focus on fiscal discipline and accountability as it readies the 2026 spending plan.