Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is scheduled to sign the proposed 2026 national budget in the first week of January, as confirmed by Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto. Recto communicated this information to reporters, addressing concerns about whether the President could sign the spending measure before the end of the year.

According to Philippines News Agency, the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) amounts to PHP 6.793 trillion and aims to fund crucial government programs, infrastructure projects, and social services for the upcoming year. To facilitate the budget's ratification, Congress adjusted its legislative calendar, planning to ratify the bicameral conference committee report on December 29, just a day before the session adjourns on December 30.

The revised schedule sparked concerns regarding whether the Office of the President would have sufficient time to conduct a comprehensive review of the budget before the year's end. Malaca±ang officials have emphasized the President's preference for a thorough and detailed review of the budget to ensure proper allocation of public funds and alignment with national development priorities.

The Palace has previously stated that the President has already mobilized his economic and legal teams to immediately review the bicameral-approved budget once it is transmitted to Malaca±ang. The administration maintains that avoiding a reenacted budget is a priority, as delays in budget approval could impede the implementation of government programs and projects at the beginning of 2026.