Escudero asserts Congress' power over budget approval

Senate President Francis Escudero on Wednesday stated that Congress cannot automatically approve the proposed budget submitted by the executive branch, asserting that the legislative body holds the power of the purse.

Escudero's comments came in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s warning during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) that he would not sign a national budget 'misaligned' with his administration's programs.

Marcos warned that he would operate on a reenacted budget if Congress submitted an unsatisfactory one for approval, prompting Escudero to emphasize the constitutional mandate granting Congress control over government spending.

Escudero urged the executive branch to consult their secretaries regarding the original budget rather than lobbying Congress for additional funding.

The president recently approved a proposed P6.793 trillion budget for 2026, while the budget agency had received proposals totaling P10.101 trillion but needed to evaluate them due to fiscal constraints and deficit reduction goals.