President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured the public that the proposed PHP6.793 trillion national budget for 2026 would be thoroughly reviewed and signed before the end of the year, Malacañang said on Friday.

The Palace emphasized that the budget measure must align with the administration’s priorities and remain people-centered.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said officials from the Executive branch will forego any holiday break to ensure that the proposed General Appropriations Act is thoroughly reviewed and scrutinized.

“Noong una talaga ay inaasahan ng Pangulo na mas maaga ang pagsa-submit ang kopya ng enrolled bill. Sa pagkakataong ito, pipilitin ng Pangulo, pipilitin na maaral mabuti at mapirmahan ang 2026 national budget bago magtapos ang taon,” Castro said.

“Pero ang tinitiyak ng Pangulo ay aralin, matutukan, mabusisi ang nasabing enrolled bill at matiyak na ang mga nakalagay dito ay naaayon sa prayoridad ng administrasyon, isang malinis, makatao, at nakatuon mga probisyon dito para sa taong-bayan,” Castro emphasized.

“Kung hindi magkakaroon ng tulugan, walang tulugan, gagawin po ‘yan. Pero ang gustong sabihin ng Pangulo, ang tinitiyak niya, bago siya pumirma, dapat naaral po itong mabuti, nabusisi, at kung may kailangan i-veto, ibi-veto,” she added.

Castro said the Executive will conduct its own review to ensure the budget’s integrity.

“Kung sinasabi ng Kongreso na napag-aralan ito mabuti, aaralin pa rin ito ng Pangulo at titiyakin ng Pangulo sa publiko na ito ay isang makatao at maayos na national budget,” Castro said.

The Palace Press Officer reiterated that President Marcos remains a strong advocate of openness, citing the President’s Transparency Portal initiative which provides public access to government bidding and procurement processes.

The Congressional Bicameral Conference Committee is scheduled to approve the 2026 national budget on December 28. The proposed General Appropriations Act will be separately ratified by the House of Representatives and the Senate on December 29 before it is submitted to Malacañang. | PND

Malacañang on Friday expressed its condolences to the family of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Catalina Cabral, who died after allegedly falling from a cliff along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet on Thursday night.

“Nakikiramay po tayo sa pamilya na naiwan po ni former Usec. Catalina Cabral. At nakakalungkot po ang nangyari pero ‘yun po, muli nakikiramay po tayo,” said Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro during a Palace press briefing.

Castro said Malacañang is respecting the privacy of Cabral’s family.

While Cabral was under investigation in connection with irregularities in the DPWH flood control projects, no charges have yet been filed against her, according to Castro.

“Sa ngayon po ay wala pong kaso…Nasa kamay na po iyan ng mga mag-iimbestiga. So, sa ngayon po, wala pong kinakaharap na kaso si Usec. Cabral,” Castro said.

“Ginagalang po natin muna pansamantala ang pribadong buhay at ang pamilya po ni Usec. Cabral. Sa ngayon wala pong pinag-uutos ang Pangulo at muli walang kaso. At kung mayroon man pag-iimbestiga na gagawin, bahala na po, nasa kamay na po ito ng mga investigating bodies,” Castro also said.

The Palace Press Officer said law enforcement authorities are handling the investigation into the former DPWH official’s death. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday said authorities have secured arrest warrants against 10 individuals, including contractor Sarah Discaya, implicated in a PhP96.5 million ghost flood control project in Davao Occidental.

In the latest President’s Report on the investigation into the flood control corruption, President Marcos said those accused in the Davao Occidental flood control scam face non-bailable charges of graft and malversation and cannot post bail for their temporary liberty pending trial.

“Ang mga akusado ay nahaharap sa kasong graft at malversation. Ito pong mga kasong ito, hindi po bailable ito. Hindi pwedeng bayaran para sila’y makalabas sa kulungan,” the President said in a video message.

The President said among those who were issued arrest warrants is Sarah Discaya, one of the top contractors behind questionable flood control projects. Discaya is currently under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

The President said eight Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials who were implicated in the case have expressed their intention to surrender to authorities.

President Marcos emphasized that the government would continue to pursue filing criminal cases against all those involved in the flood control scandal.

The President, who initiated the investigation into the widespread corruption in flood control and other infrastructure projects, reiterated his commitment to exact accountability and ensure the recovery of public funds.

“Titiyakin po natin na hindi lamang sila ay makakasuhan, kundi maibalik ang pera ng ating mga kababayan ay ibalik sa kaban ng ating bansa,” President Marcos said. | PND

Malacañang issued a memorandum circular on Thursday suspending work in all government offices on December 29, 2025 and January 2, 2026 to allow government employees to fully celebrate the New Year’s Day festivities.

“In order to provide government employees full opportunity to celebrate New Year’s Day activities and to allow them to travel to and from different regions in the country, work in all government offices is hereby suspended on 29 December 2025 (Monday) and 2 January 2026 (Friday),” stated Memorandum Circular No. 111 signed by Acting Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto.

However, the circular said government agencies responsible for basic, vital, and health services, as well as preparedness and response duties must continue to remain operational.

Under the circular, Malacañang left it to the discretion of the respective heads of private companies and offices whether to similarly suspend work on the said dates. | PND

Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto has hailed the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development’s (DEPDev) role in building a more resilient and inclusive Philippines through long-term, evidence-based socioeconomic planning, as he led the celebration of its 90th anniversary yesterday.

In his keynote address, Executive Secretary Recto emphasized that the country’s development gains have been achieved not through political cycles, but through disciplined, data-driven policies that place the Filipino people at the center of progress.

“We chose to believe that our development should not be dictated by political whims but by data, direction, and discipline,” he said.

The Executive Secretary, who served as Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in 2008, described the country’s planning agency as the nerve center of reason in the noise of populism and the scoreboard keeper of what truly matters: jobs created, investments attracted, infrastructure built, and Filipinos lifted out of poverty.

“Because the true state of the nation is written not in rhetoric, but in economic conditions felt by Filipino families every day—sa presyo ng bigas at pagkain, sa pagkakaroon ng disenteng trabaho, at sa pagkamit ng magandang kinabukasan,” he stressed.

The Executive Secretary highlighted that since its establishment in 1935, the national planning institution—now DEPDEV—has served as a constant source of continuity and stability across administrations, guiding the country through major economic disruptions, natural disasters, and global crises.

He cited the country’s steady progress in poverty reduction as proof of the value of inclusive, evidence-based planning, with poverty incidence declining from 23.5% a decade ago to 15.5% in 2023. The government is determined to bring poverty down to single-digit levels by 2028.

“This means that years of planning have sent millions of children to school, have provided millions of families with roofs over their heads, and have given millions of Filipinos with more dignity in their daily lives over the years,” the Executive Secretary said.

With this, he paid tribute to the DEPDev family—past and present—calling them “the unsung heroes of the Republic” who provide continuity, clarity, and stability in governance.

He also expressed gratitude to the country’s development partners for their continued trust and support, noting that international cooperation has been critical in the Philippines’ development through the years.

The Executive Secretary further reaffirmed the Marcos Jr. administration’s commitment to fully implement the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 and realize Ambisyon Natin 2040.

In closing, Executive Secretary Recto called on stakeholders to sustain a culture of planning beyond politics, stressing that nation-building depends on collective action—planning, building, and delivering together to secure progress for both present and future generations of Filipinos.

“Do not stop dreaming and do not stop planning—para sa Bagong Pilipinas at para sa magandang kinabukasan ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced Thursday that the Social Security System (SSS) will offer emergency loans to its members this December, to provide them immediate assistance to purchase essential needs.

“Simula itong Disyembre na ito ay makakapagbigay na ang SSS ng tinatawag na emergency loan dahil habang nasa ilalim halimbawa ng national emergency ay magbibigay ng emergency loan ang SSS,” President Marcos said in a video message.

“Magagamit po ninyo itong loan na ito para sa inyong pangangailangan lalo na kagaya ng aking nabanggit ay pagka emergency, ito po ang makukuha ninyo sa SSS,” the President added.

According to the President, the loan has a low 7 percent interest rate and comes with a six-month payment moratorium.

“Ibig sabihin, pagtanggap ninyo ng loan galing sa SSS, sa unang anim na buwan hindi kayo kailangan magbayad para sa loan amortization para naman mapagaan ang inyong dala,” the President said.

The Chief Executive added he continues to coordinate with SSS to find more ways to provide safer and fairer alternative micro loan and emergency loans for Filipinos.

“Maganda po ito kasi imbes na pupunta po kayo sa ‘5-6’ at mapasubo sa malalim na utang ay mayroon na kayong magagamit at ang babayaran lang ay seven percent lamang. Kaya sana ito ay makatulong po sa inyong lahat,” the President said, referring to the predatory money lending scheme commonly availed of by low-income households.

President Marcos last November 6 declared a one-year state of national calamity under Proclamation No. 1077, in response to widespread destruction from calamities and in preparation for upcoming natural disasters. | PND

Respect for the Constitution, service to the Filipino people, and loyalty to our Republic.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized this as he administered the oath of office to the newly promoted Generals and Flag Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and graduates of Foreign Pre-Commissioned Training Institutions on Thursday.

In his speech during the ceremony at the Malacañan Palace, President Marcos underscored the officials’ crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and ensuring national security.

“We are reminded today that this oath-taking is a reaffirmation of a sacred trust: respect for the Constitution, service to the Filipino people, and loyalty to the Republic,” President Marcos said.

“As you open another chapter, you also accept greater responsibility to lead with wisdom, restraint, and moral clarity,” the President added.

The Chief Executive reminded the military officials that the stars they now wear symbolize the weight of their responsibility to protect the Filipino people, defend the country’s territorial integrity, and uphold democratic freedoms.

The President said such responsibility is shared by military reservists who strengthen the capabilities of the Armed Force through their role as a force multiplier.

“This ceremony serves as a powerful affirmation that your loyalty is anchored to the Constitution, to our democratic institutions, and above all, to the people,” President Marcos said.

The President also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to modernizing the AFP, strengthening its readiness to respond to both traditional and emerging security challenges through training, international cooperation, and enhanced operational capability.

President Marcos cited the recent increases in the base pay and daily subsistence allowance of military and uniformed personnel as part of the government’s continued efforts to improve their welfare.

“All these reflect our principle that honoring service means ensuring that those who serve are given the support and dignity that they rightfully deserve,” the President said.

“May you always wear the stars on your shoulders as daily reminders of your duty to lead with integrity, to serve with humility, and, if necessary, fight for the Republic with honor and with courage,” the President added.

The President also recognized the families of the officers for their sacrifices and steadfast support, noting that their role is essential in sustaining a military that serves the nation with honor and dignity.

President Marcos concluded by encouraging the AFP to remain united in its mission to serve the Filipino people and contribute to building a stronger and more secure Bagong Pilipinas. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed all national agencies to observe austerity in Christmas and year-end celebrations, considering the recent natural disasters and calamities in the country.

By the authority of President Marcos, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto issued Memorandum Circular No. 110 on December 15, 2025 directing all national government agencies (NGAs) and instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, to observe austerity in the celebration of the Christmas season.

The directive likewise encouraged local government units to adopt similar austerity measures.

“In light of recent natural disasters and calamities in the country, it is necessary to adopt austerity measures during the Christmas season to ensure greater efficiency in public spending,” MC 110 stated.

The order also aims to prevent the misuse of government resources, foster a culture of simplicity within the bureaucracy, and support the government’s efforts to prioritize essential programs and services.

“All NGAs and instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, are hereby directed, and local government units are hereby encouraged, to observe austerity in the celebration of the Christmas season, and to keep Christmas and year-end celebrations simple and meaningful, in solidarity with all the Filipinos still recovering from recent disasters,” MC 110 directed.

The memorandum added that the administration of President Marcos is committed to promoting fiscal discipline and the judicious use of government resources, consistent with the country’s socio-economic priorities and ongoing expenditure management reforms.

MC 110 cited Executive Order No. 292 or the Administrative Code of 1987, which provides that all government resources shall be managed, expended, or utilized in accordance with relevant laws, rules, and regulations, and safeguarded against loss or wastage through illegal or improper disposition to ensure efficiency, economy, and effectiveness in the operations of government. | PND

Malacañang said Wednesday that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remains confident that the proposed PhP6.793 trillion national budget for 2026 will be signed before the end of the year.

“Hindi pa naman natatapos ang Disyembre… at sa tingin ng Pangulo ay may sapat pang panahon para aralin ito,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a Palace briefing.

The proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) is undergoing deliberations by the bicameral conference committee to reconcile the versions of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Castro said President Marcos believes there is still ample time to pass the national budget, even as she said proposals to avoid a reenacted budget are welcome.

“Maganda po ang suhestiyon ni Senator Ping Lacson pero ang nais po talaga ng Pangulo ay hindi magkaroon ng reenacted budget,” Castro said.

“Ang good option, aralin mabuti… Maayos na budget na naipapasa on time. Hindi pa tapos ang Disyembre,” Castro added. ǀ PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. aims to further strengthen the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pag-Abot Program by extending support to more Filipino families in need of social welfare protection.

President Marcos on Wednesday led the DSWD Pag-Abot Program: Pasko Kasama ang Pangulo at the Pag-Abot Processing Center at Nasdake Building in Pasay City, where the President served meals and handed gifts to beneficiaries.

“Layunin ng pagbisita ng Pangulo na maipadama sa mga kababayan natin na kasama nila ang pamahalaan ngayong Pasko,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a Palace press briefing.

“Isang paalala na hindi sila nag-iisa at kailanman ay hindi sila makakalimutan ng gobyerno… Sa ilalim ng liderato ni Pangulong Marcos Jr., lahat ng mga programa na naglalayong magbigay-proteksiyon at pag-asa sa pamilyang Pilipino magtutuloy-tuloy sa susunod na taon,” Castro added.

The President inspected the facilities at the Pag-Abot Processing Center, including the family area, male and female quarters, mess hall, wellness area, holding and processing area, multi-purpose hall, and medical room.

At the DSWD Walang Gutom Kitchen at the ground floor of the Pag-Abot Processing Center, President Marcos interacted with the beneficiaries and celebrated the Yuletide season by serving meals and giving gifts.

A temporary shelter with 180-bed capacity, the Pag-Abot Processing Center became operational in April 2024.

Through the Pag-Abot Program, the DSWD reaches out to families and individuals living in the streets to provide social welfare protection services and interventions.

The program has served 1,772 beneficiaries in its pilot implementation in 2023, with 741 individuals successfully reintegrated with their families.

Institutionalized by President Marcos through Executive Order No. 52 series of 2024, the program is currently implemented in the National Capital Region, Central Luzon and Calabarzon, and will be expanded to Central Visayas next year.

The Walang Gutom Kitchen, a component of the Pag-Abot Program, serves as a food bank to address involuntary hunger among families and individuals in street situations.

Launched on December 16, 2024 at the Nasdake Building in Pasay City, the facility serves breakfast and lunch to approximately 250 to 300 walk-in beneficiaries daily, with the help of food donors.

The DSWD plans to expand the Walang Gutom Kitchen to cater to beneficiaries in Central Luzon and Central Visayas next year. | PND