Rappler
House leaders urge return of Marcos’ proposed 2026 budget over ‘mangled’ entries
House party leaders are seeking to return the proposed 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) to Malacañang due to what they described as "mangled" entries.
House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno stated that the document needs to be practically redone, making it difficult for the House to proceed with it.
The recommendation, which is still subject to the approval of Speaker Martin Romualdez, threatens to delay the passage of next year's P6.793-trillion national budget.
Lawmakers pointed out irregularities in district budgets, particularly those under the Department of Public Works, including allocations for already completed infrastructure projects and "suspicious" flood control projects.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. acknowledged the presence of "insertions" in the 2026 NEP and the need for it "to be cleaned out properly."
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House party leaders will no longer push for the return of the National Expenditures Program (NEP) to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) after the latter promised to address identified issues.
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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed a "zero tolerance" approach for dubious insertions and duplicate allocations in the proposed 2026 national budget.
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House leaders have decided against completely returning the proposed P6.7-trillion national budget for 2026 to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
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The House of Representatives is proceeding with deliberations on the P6.793 trillion 2026 national budget despite identifying "red flags."
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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has stated that returning the proposed 2026 national budget to Malacañang is not an option.
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