Palace warns Congress against budget insertions, vows veto

Malacañang stated on Friday that Congress should not abuse its power of the purse, emphasizing that President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. does not want insertions in the proposed general appropriations law that do not benefit the public.

Palace Press Officer Usec. Atty. Claire Castro said the President wants a transparent budget process and urged bicameral committee conferences to be open to the public.

Castro noted that the National Expenditure Program (NEP) was prepared through extensive discussions involving the Cabinet secretaries, with funds allocated based on what was agreed upon in the NEP.

Senate President Francis 'Chiz' Escudero countered by stating that the proposed budget is not set in stone and can be revised if necessary, as cabinet departments may request additional funding from Congress.

Escudero denied claims of billions worth of insertions in the 2025 national budget, calling such reports part of a demolition job related to his previous Senate presidency bid.

Marcos warned in his State of the Nation Address that he would veto any proposed budget bill not aligned with his administration's programs and priorities for 2026.