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Marcos urges Congress to 'swiftly enact' proposed 2026 budget
''I urge the honorable members of Congress to swiftly enact this budget. Let us work together to realize the full potential of our nation, nurture future-ready generations and fulfill our dream of a Bagong Pilipinas,'' Marcos said in the budget message.
Marcos said the Philippines is on track with its "Agenda for Prosperity" and poised to be a leader among nations, especially in the Asia Pacific region.
''However, while we have recovered from the pandemic, we recognize that there is still much to rebuild, and there is still much that can be achieved. We must not lose sight of our collective responsibility to ensure a brighter future for our people, especially the next generations,'' the President said.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) earlier submitted the P6.793-trillion National Expenditure Program (NEP) to the House of Representatives.
The legislative body, holding the 'power of the purse,' is set to start deliberating on the proposed budget allocations set by the executive branch for 2026 after the submission of the DBM.
Marcos said the priority recipients of the proposed FY 2026 National Budget are as follows: Education (P928.5 billion); Public Works (P881.3 billion); Health (P320.5 billion); Defense (P299.3 billion); Interior and Local Government (P287.5 billion); Agriculture (P239.2 billion); Social Welfare (P227.0 billion); Transportation (P197.3 billion); Judiciary (P67.9 billion); and Labor and Employment (P55.2 billion).
The proposed national budget remains committed to fulfilling the objectives of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, anchored on the following pillars: (1) Developing and Protecting the Capabilities of Individuals and Families; (2) Transforming Production Sectors to Generate More Quality Jobs and Competitive Products; and (3) Creating an Enabling Environment. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
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