Marcos warns Congress on 2026 budget alignment

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. warned Congress during his fourth State of the Nation Address on Monday that he would reject any proposed national budget for 2026 that does not align with his administration's programs.

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto stated Tuesday that cooperation from Congress is expected to prevent a reenacted budget, ensuring alignment with the Executive branch’s spending plan.

Early this month, Marcos approved the P6.793-trillion National Expenditure Program (NEP) for Fiscal Year 2026, which was trimmed down due to limited fiscal space and the fiscal consolidation strategy targeting gradual reduction of national government deficit.

Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman emphasized that a budget out of line with government priorities would disrupt project implementation and delay new initiatives.

The Department of Budget and Management aims to submit the NEP by the second week of August, and lawmakers are urged to adhere closely to President Marcos's directive.