Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed confidence that the government will craft a “good, clean” budget for 2026 as Congress continues its deliberations on next year’s proposed national spending plan.
Speaking during a briefing in Busan, South Korea, President Marcos said both the House of Representatives and the Senate of the Philippines have already identified potential savings in the budget process, pointing toward a leaner, more efficient spending plan.
He noted that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has been instructed to reduce construction-material costs by up to 50 %, a measure expected to save the government at least ₱30 billion to ₱45 billion, with those savings redirected into vital sectors like health, education, and food security.
President Marcos also emphasized that efforts to combat red tape, over-pricing and corruption remain ongoing:
“The harder it becomes [for corrupt practices], the smaller the number of people who are still operating under them.”
In short, the administration is signalling that the 2026 budget will not just be big — but better: more focused, transparent, and re-aligned toward strategic priorities.