The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has assured the public that salary increases, pensions, and retirement benefits of government workers will not be delayed nor reduced under the 2026 national budget, Malacañang said on Tuesday, dismissing circulating claims of funding cuts as false and misleading.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the DBM emphasized that salaries, approved increases, and benefits of government employees remain intact, with funds fully allocated in the respective budgets of their agencies.

“Mayroon pong gustong linawin ang DBM. May kumakalat na balita na maaantala o maapektuhan daw ang salary increases at retirement benefits ng mga guro, kawani ng gobyerno at uniformed personnel sa 2026 national budget. Hindi po ito totoo. Walang tinanggal na pondo,” Castro said in a Palace press briefing.

Castro clarified that the funds were realigned to the appropriate agencies to ensure a more direct, faster, and more transparent release of benefits, particularly for uniformed personnel.

“Ang sinasabing PhP24 billion ay hindi binawas o kinansela, inilipat lang ito sa tamang ahensya para sa mas diretso, mas mabilis at mas malinaw na paglabas ng benepisyo lalo na para sa subsistence allowance ng uniformed personnel,” she said.

“Buong-buo ang sahod at salary increases. Ang salary increases ng kasalukuyang civilian employees at uniformed personnel ay nasa budget ng mga kani-kaniyang ahensya. Walang delay, walang bawas, walang mawawala,” the Palace Press Officer stressed.

“Hindi apektado ang pensyon ng uniformed personnel. Mananatiling buo ang pensyon, ang mga bagong magri-retire sa optional retirement ay dadaan pa rin sa umiiral na proseso,” Castro noted.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday signed the PhP6.793 trillion national budget for Fiscal Year 2026, sustaining the momentum in education reform, health protection, food security, social security, and job creation while strengthening safeguards against corruption.

Castro also assured the public that safeguards are in place to cover any additional requirements for personnel, citing dedicated allocations within the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) for Miscellaneous and Personnel Benefits Fund.

“Kung kailangan naman ng karagdagang pondo para sa mga uniformed personnel na sumasailalim sa optional retirement, meron po tayong nakaantabay na pension and gratuity fund sa GAA,” she added.

“Kung ang mga ito po ay magkulang, mayroon pa rin tayong contingent fund na maaaring matakbuhan. Huwag po tayo magpaninlang, ikalat natin ang katotohanan,” Castro said. | PND

“Hindi tayo papayag na mapunta sa kurakot ang salaping pinaghirapan ng bawat Pilipino.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday vowed to ensure that every peso of the PhP6.793-trillion 2026 national budget will be spent in ways that directly benefit the Filipino people.

In his speech during the signing of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for the Fiscal Year 2026, President Marcos said that every program or project will undergo rigorous scrutiny to guarantee tangible results for Filipinos, particularly the most vulnerable sectors.

“Sa National Budget ng 2026, malinaw ang direksyon ng inyong pamahalaan: magiging mas masinop, mas maingat, at mas responsable kami sa paggastos ng pondo ng bayan,” the President said.

“Ang bawat programa at proyekto ay dadaan sa masusing pagsusuri upang masiguro na ito ay may malinaw na benepisyo sa mamamayan—lalo na sa sektor na higit na nangangailangan,” the President added.

The President has signed the PhP6.793 trillion 2026 national budget, which aims to sustain the country’s progress in education reform, health protection, food security, social security, and job creation.

President Marcos also assured that his administration will intensify efforts to improve government systems, strengthen accountability, and combat corruption.

The President likewise urged the public to actively participate in the said goals.

“Ang pagbabantay, ang pagtatanong, ang pag-uulat, at ang pakikilahok ay mahalagang bahagi ng isang gumaganang demokrasya. Kasama ninyo kami sa layuning tiyakin na ang budget ng bayan ay para sa bayan,” said President Marcos. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday announced his decision to veto several items under Unprogrammed Appropriations (UAs) totaling nearly PhP92.5 billion in the 2026 national budget approved by Congress.

Speaking at the signing of the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) amounting to PhP6.793 trillion, President Marcos emphasized the UAs must be used only under clearly defined conditions, with safeguards in place to prevent misuse.

“To ensure that public funds are expended in clear service of national interests, I vetoed several items of appropriations with their purposes and corresponding Special Provisions under the UA, totaling almost PhP92.5 billion,” the President said.

Acknowledging Congress’s support in limiting the UA to essential needs, President Marcos said he further reduced this to the bare minimum which shall be at a level that is the lowest since 2019.

“Let me be clear: the Unprogrammed Appropriations are not blank checks. We will not allow the Unprogrammed Appropriations to be misused or treated as a backdoor for discretionary spending,” the President said.

The Chief Executive said the UA “utilization is provided with safeguards and is only available when clearly defined triggers and tests are met and will be released only after careful validation.”

According to the President, the safeguards will be enforced “without exception” to serve the public interest and advance the country’s national development goals.

“We will make releases charged from the UA transparent, providing the necessary details on the funding source and the corresponding purpose,” the President added.

President Marcos directed all concerned agencies and departments of the national government to exercise “prudent fiscal management to ensure uninterrupted quality public service.”

“Sa aking mga kababayan, dama po namin ang inyong agam-agam at pangamba sa nakaraang budget. Kaisa ninyo ako sa pagnanais na masigurong ang bawat pisong buwis ay napupunta sa tamang proyekto at sa tunay na pangangailangan ng ating taumbayan,” the President emphasized.

“Naririnig namin po kayo,” the President added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday ordered a strict implementation of the provision in the 2026 General Appropriations Act barring politicians’ involvement in the distribution of cash and other forms of financial assistance to ensure every peso will reach the intended beneficiaries without patronage.

During the signing ceremony at Malacañan Palace, President Marcos emphasized that the PhP6.793 trillion national budget for 2026 must be used solely to serve the Filipino people and never be used for partisan or political influence.

“We will strictly implement the provision on the ‘Prohibition on Political Involvement in the Distribution of Cash and Other Forms of Financial Assistance,” said the Chief Executive.

“Politicians shall be barred from the distribution of any financial aid and we shall ensure that the support reaches the intended beneficiaries without patronage,” the President declared.

“Walang bawas, walang kulang,” President Marcos stressed, ensuring that assistance programs must be delivered through proper government channels and shielded from patronage politics.

The government provides cash aid and other forms of financial assistance, including the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), as well as cash grants and pensions for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

President Marcos also emphasized the increased allocations under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), which he said will empower local government units to respond to development needs, support livelihoods, and build safe and resilient communities.

“I stand firm in my constitutional duty to ensure the faithful execution of laws. Therefore, I hereby condition the implementation of certain provisions in this Act to conform to existing laws, policies, rules, and regulations,” the President also said.

Among the budget items subject to conditional implementation are the Engineering and Administrative Overhead Expenses, Payment of Retirement Benefits and Pensions, Capacity Development Programs, and Foreign Service Posts.

The President also cited programs and projects that will be carried out within legal and regulatory frameworks, such as the School-Based Feeding Program, Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program, PAMANA Program, Residential Care Services to Vulnerable Groups by Accredited Social Welfare and Development Agencies, Implementation of Infrastructure Projects of GOCCs, and Programs and Projects Related to Senior Citizens and Persons with Disability.

“This shall ensure that these programs promote our long-term development goals,” said the President. | PND

“We are committing to implement a budget that serves the people.”

Thus President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday signed the PhP6.793 trillion national budget for Fiscal Year 2026, sustaining the momentum in education reform, health protection, food security, social security, and job creation.

During the signing ceremony at Malacañan Palace, President Marcos assured the public that the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) or Republic Act No. 12314 is appropriately aligned with the government’s medium- and long-term development plans and is focused on uplifting the lives of Filipinos.

“The 2026 National Budget shall sustain our momentum in education reform, in health protection, in food security, in social security, and in job creation,” the President added.

As mandated by the Constitution, education received the highest budgetary priority, with the largest allocation of more than PhP1.34 trillion, funding additional teaching and non-teaching plantilla positions in public schools, teacher promotions and reclassification, and classroom construction nationwide.

The health sector was given PhP448.125 billion to support the promotion of Universal Health Care (UHC), including the PhP1 billion budget for the Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) Program in local government hospitals, covering in-patient services in basic accommodation. The budget also provides funding for disease surveillance, rapid response mechanisms, and sustainable health financing.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), the government’s social health insurance agency, received nearly PhP130 billion, including the PhP60 billion ordered restored in accordance with the Supreme Court’s decision.

“These funds shall support preventive healthcare and the improvement of PhilHealth benefit packages, lowering the out-of-pocket expenses of Filipino families,” the President said.

Meanwhile, the agricultural sector was allotted over PhP297 billion for the modernization of supply systems and support for farmers and fisherfolk, including the establishment of farm-to-market roads that will connect farming communities to economic hubs, lessen transportation costs, and minimize post-harvest losses.

The government will also transform the social protection system by providing it with a budget of more than PhP270 billion, which will be used to enhance the quality of life for Filipinos, safeguard the welfare of all sectors, and foster human capital development.

Through these responsive and rationalized flagship programs, the President said the budget aims to direct the country towards achieving a single-digit poverty rate by 2028.

To uphold the welfare of the country’s defenders and peacemakers, the GAA also supports the implementation of the updated base pay schedule and increased subsistence allowance for military and uniformed personnel.

President Marcos acknowledged that with the approval of the 2026 GAA, the 2025 GAA was deemed reenacted and remained in force and effect until January 4, 2026.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) shall consider the expenditures lawfully incurred under the reenacted budget in formulating its fund release guidelines for FY 2026, the President directed.

The Chief Executive also expressed gratitude to Congress for the “principled exercise of its power of the purse and for the meaningful reforms undertaken to widen participation to strengthen accountability throughout the budget authorization process.” | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday called on Filipinos to welcome the New Year with discipline, confidence, and a shared commitment to national progress and Bagong Pilipinas, urging unity, compassion, and collective purpose as 2026 sets in.

“As we step into the unfolding days ahead, may we move forward with a clearer understanding of our role in each other’s lives and a renewed commitment to building a future shaped not by circumstance done, but by the strength of our will and the clarity of our collective purpose,” the President said in his message.

President Marcos invited Filipinos to pause and take stock of the past year’s experiences, stressing the value of learning from challenges while setting a hopeful direction for the future.

“The coming of another year is always a moment for reflection and renewal. It gives us the opportunity to look back on the year that has passed–its lessons, challenges, and achievements–and to look ahead with hope and purpose to the possibilities that await us,” the President noted.

Highlighting the need for a forward-looking mindset as the country enters a new chapter, President Marcos emphasized the role of personal discipline and collective effort in shaping the nation’s future.

“As we step into 2026, I therefore call on every Filipino to embrace the year with discipline, confidence, and a shared commitment to our nation’s progress. For beyond personal resolutions, the new year calls on us to examine how we live with one another, how we lift one another, and how our choices shape our nation,” the Chief Executive added.

The President reaffirmed the government’s resolve to advance its vision of a more unified and compassionate Bagong Pilipinas, while pointing out the importance of solidarity and moral choice in nation-building.

“A society thrives when its people choose empathy over indifference, service over self-Interest, and hope over despair,” President Marcos emphasized.

“It is thus our commitment in the government to be relentless in pursuing a Bagong Pilipinas that nurtures unity, fosters compassion, and showcases the greatness of our kababayans.” | PND

Sinimulan na ng Ehekutibo ang masusing pagsusuri sa niratipika ng Kongreso na panukalang PhP6.793 trilyong 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) upang matiyak ang integridad nito, disiplina sa pananalapi, at pagkakahanay sa pangangailangan ng sambayanang Pilipino, ayon sa Malacanang.

Sa isang pahayag nitong Martes, sinabi ni Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto na natanggap ng Executive Branch ang niratipikang 2026 GAA noong Disyembre 29, 2025, at kasalukuyang isinasailalim sa masusing pagsusuri na inaasahang tatagal ng halos isang linggo upang matiyak ang integridad at epektibong pagpapatupad nito.

Dagdag pa ni Recto, masusing sinusuri ng Pangulo at ng kanyang grupo ang lahat ng alokasyon at probisyon upang mapag-aralan ang anumang pagbabago mula sa orihinal na isinumiteng National Expenditure Program (NEP).

“We will ensure that the 2026 GAA will satisfy not only the legal and technical requirements but, more importantly, the needs of the Filipino people. This review is expected to take about a week,” sinabi ni Recto.

(“Titiyakin namin na ang 2026 GAA ay makatutugon hindi lamang sa mga legal at teknikal na mga rekisito kundi, higit sa lahat, sa pangangailangan ng sambayanang Pilipino. Inaasahang tatagal ng halos isang linggo ang pagsusuring ito.”)

Sinabi rin ni Recto na mananatiling tuloy-tuloy ang mga serbisyo ng pamahalaan kahit sa ilalim ng panandaliang reenacted budget, at binigyang-diin na layunin ng pagsusuri na mapanatili ang disiplina sa pananalapi at matiyak na makikinabang ang mga Pilipino sa mga proyekto ng pamahalaan.

“The public is assured that a brief period under a reenacted budget will not disrupt government operations. This deliberate review safeguards fiscal discipline and ensures that taxpayers’ hard-earned money is spent wisely and translated into benefits for the Filipino people,” dagdag ng Executive Secretary.

(“Pinagtitibay ng pagsusuring ito ang disiplina sa pananalapi at tinitiyak na ang pinaghirapang buwis ng mamamayan ay magagamit nang tama at maisasalin sa mga benepisyo para sa sambayanang Pilipino. Tinitiyak din sa publiko na ang maikling panahon sa ilalim ng reenacted budget ay hindi makakaapekto sa operasyon ng pamahalaan.”) | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos received Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez in a courtesy call at Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, ahead of her New Year’s Eve performance in Manila.

During the meeting, President Marcos and Sanchez exchanged pleasantries, with the singer sharing reflections on her recent triumph as grand champion of America’s Got Talent 2025. The discussion also touched on Filipino culture and cuisine, as well as Sanchez’s upcoming album and future projects.

The President, the First Lady, Sanchez, and her team spent around 30 minutes in a relaxed conversation. Sanchez, a 30-year-old first-time mother to a two-month-old baby girl, expressed her appreciation to the President and the First Lady for taking the time to meet with her.

President Marcos, in turn, thanked Sanchez for bringing pride to the country through her success on the international stage. In a light moment, he jokingly offered to volunteer as her manager, while the First Lady suggested she explore more provinces during her stay in the Philippines.

Sanchez is set to headline “The Grand Countdown to 2026,” a New Year’s Eve celebration hosted by Newport World Resorts at the Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City. The event marks her first major performance in the Philippines since winning America’s Got Talent and her first homecoming concert following the international competition.

She gave birth to her first child in October 2025, shortly after the conclusion of the talent show.

Sanchez first gained prominence as the runner-up of American Idol Season 11. She has since made several return visits to the Philippines for concerts and major events, including the 2012 American Idols Live! Tour and the 2023 Miss Universe pageant hosted by the country. | PND

“Sa gitna ng sariling pagsubok, hindi niya iniwan ang tungkulin sa bayan. Hanggang kaya, lumalaban. Hanggang sa huli, nagserbisyo.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday posthumously conferred the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Grand Cross (Bayani) on the late Maria Susana “Toots” Vasquez Ople, lauding her as a public servant who exemplified integrity, compassion, and service.

Joined by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, members of the Ople family, and government officials, President Marcos led the formal ceremony held at Kalayaan Hall in Malacañan Palace, coinciding with Rizal Day and the fourth founding anniversary of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

Ople was the first full-fledged DMW Secretary following her appointment in June 2022, and her legacy continues to protect Filipino migrant workers long after her passing, said the President.

“In many ways it could be said that all of us who are doing any kind of work for OFWs around the world are only following the strictures laid out. Siya ang nagsimula nitong lahat… Everything that we are doing now, all of the successes that you see, she laid the groundwork for that,” President Marcos said.

“For many, Secretary Toots is a standard of excellence in public service,” President Marcos said, noting that some public servants never truly leave public service because of the enduring impact of their work.

“So today, in her honor, I join the Ople family and everyone whose lives she has touched in this shared commitment: To champion was what she stood for and to serve with the same passion, with the same integrity, and drive that defined her well-lived life,” the President said.

Ople served at the DMW until her death on August 22, 2023 at age 61.

President Marcos said Ople gave “form and force” to a newly created agency born out of years of migrant advocacy, even as she faced urgent and complex challenges confronting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Under her leadership, the Philippines entered into 42 bilateral labor agreements with 25 countries, reinforcing protection, fairness and respect for migrant workers.

Ople also helped establish the One Repatriation Command Center and the OFW Hospital, and led the launch of the DMW Mobile Application and OFW Pass for faster travel and verification.

“Malinaw ang kanyang paninindigan: tiyakin natin na makatao at makatarungan ang trato sa bawat manggagawang Pilipino sa ibayong dagat,” the President said.

Prior to leading the DMW, Ople held various government posts and became the first Filipino to serve on the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Trust Fund for Victims of Human Rights Trafficking. She also authored two books reflecting her advocacy for migrant welfare and social protection.

“What set her apart was how she worked. She led with empathy, with expertise, and with very, very strong moral clarity,” President Marcos said, noting that Ople continued to serve the country even while privately battling cancer.

The President likened Ople’s patriotism to that of Dr. Jose Rizal, saying she believed love of country is expressed through courage, discipline, and service.

President Marcos added that despite her accomplishments, Ople would have preferred to be remembered simply as a devoted mother, daughter, worker, and friend.

Ople was the daughter of the late Senator and former Labor Secretary Blas F. Ople.

The Order of Lakandula is one of the Senior Honors of the Republic created by virtue of Executive Order No. 236 series of 2003.

It is the Order of Political and Civic Merit of the Republic conferred in commemoration of Datu Lakandula’s dedication to the responsibilities of leadership, prudence, fortitude, courage, and resolve in the service of one’s people.

The Order of Lakandula is conferred by the President of the Philippines. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday led the annual “Pamaskong Handog Mula sa Pangulo,” thanking supporters who have stood by the Marcos family through the years.

President Marcos together with First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and their children- House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro,” Joseph Simon and William Vincent- hosted the year-end celebration for some 2,000 supporters from Friends of Imelda Romualdez Marcos (FIRM) led by Founding President Artemio Lachica.

“Mabuti naman at kahit papaano ‘yung ating pagsasama na napakatagal na ay hindi naman napapatid at patuloy pa tayong nagkakaisa, patuloy pa tayong nagkikita,” the President said during the activity held at the Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium in Ermita, Manila.

President Marcos said he could always count on the family’s supporters wherever he goes in the country.

The President said their supporters would always occupy a special place in the heart of the Marcos family.

“Kaya maraming-maraming salamat sa inyong tulong. Hindi ko po masusuklian ang inyong napakagandang loob na ipinakita sa amin sa ilang taon na. Siguro labis na sa isang dekada na tayo ay nagsasama,” President Marcos said.

“Asahan po ninyo hindi po kami nakakalimot. Lagi kayo ay nasa isip namin. At mas mahalaga, lagi kayo ay nasa puso namin.” | PND