President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has expressed optimism that the government will produce “a good, clean budget” for 2026, as Congress resumes deliberations on the proposed national spending plan.
Speaking to reporters in South Korea after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit on Saturday, Marcos said that both the Senate and the House of Representatives have already identified potential savings in several government projects, particularly in infrastructure, following his earlier directive to cut construction costs.
“Even now, upon resumption of the budget hearings, marami nang nakita in both Houses, in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, na magkakaroon pa tayo ng savings,” the President said.
“I think we will be able to show that it is, in fact, possible to write a good, clean budget.”
Marcos also lauded the recent decision of Congress to livestream the bicameral conference committee deliberations for the 2026 national budget — a historic first for the legislature — to promote transparency and prevent last-minute insertions or secret amendments that have long drawn public scrutiny.
Earlier, Marcos directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to cut the cost of construction materials by up to 50 percent, a move expected to save the government between ₱30 billion and ₱45 billion. These savings, he said, would be redirected toward key sectors such as health, education, and food security.
The President also emphasized the importance of establishing stronger systems to fight corruption and inefficiency in government spending.
“Kahit anong gawin mo, maghahanap ng paraan ‘yan para lokohin ang gobyerno. But if the systems are in place you make it harder and harder for those people to do ‘yung nangungurakot,” he said.
“The harder it becomes, the smaller the number of people who are still operating under corrupt practices. So, it’s an ongoing thing. It’s not something that you can solve with one fell swoop.”
Marcos concluded that ensuring accountability, transparency, and efficiency in budget management remains a top priority of his administration as it pushes for sustainable and inclusive growth in the coming fiscal year.