Executive Secretary Ralph Recto has directed government agencies to accelerate the deployment of their 2026 funds and finalize plans for priority projects under the upcoming 2027 national budget, reinforcing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s drive to improve public service delivery.
On June 22, Recto brought together key Cabinet members for a comprehensive budget review. The meeting was called to evaluate how current funds are being utilized and to ensure that next year’s financial blueprint seamlessly matches the administration’s core objectives.
The review directly responds to President Marcos’ orders for systematic tracking of government spending, resolving project bottlenecks, and maximizing the efficiency of public funds for the citizens’ benefit.
”We need to closely track the execution of the 2026 budget and finalize the 2027 national budget,” Recto said.
”Let us get our act together and ensure that our programs and projects are delivered faster in the second half of the year,” he added.
Throughout the session, Recto stressed that sharpening budget execution is vital to keeping public infrastructure and services on schedule. This review is a key component of the government’s strategy to tighten fiscal discipline and amplify the benefits of state spending.
By constitutional mandate, the President must present the proposed 2027 national budget to Congress within 30 days following the State of the Nation Address on July 26.
Recto also examined the progress of the administration’s UPLIFT interventions, emphasizing that relief programs for vulnerable sectors must stay at the forefront of government priorities. The UPLIFT framework brings together major state initiatives designed to shield low-income families from economic hardships while broadening their access to basic services.
The high-level meeting was attended by Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Budget and Management Secretary Kim de Leon, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, and Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, alongside senior representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Agriculture.