Marcos orders probe into questionable 2026 budget allocations

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. revealed that even the proposed National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2026 contains questionable allocations that require thorough investigation and correction.

The President's statement came as he explained the rationale behind creating a commission to investigate anomalous flood control projects, highlighting ongoing discoveries of irregularities within the executive branch.

Marcos specifically noted that numerous insertions were found within the 2026 budget, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive cleanup of such questionable allocations.

This concern was echoed by Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno, who pointed out that some allocations in the 2026 NEP were designated for projects that had already been completed.

The NEP, which represents the executive branch's proposed budget, undergoes scrutiny by Congress during the crafting of the General Appropriations Bill.

In response, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman stated that she would investigate the alleged allocations for completed projects within the NEP and has already consulted with Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon on the matter.