Malacañang has assured the public that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will not allow any irregularities in the 2026 national budget, pledging a strict and transparent process following controversies that plagued this year’s appropriations.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro made the statement amid ongoing investigations into questionable flood control projects and realignment of funds to the administration’s priority programs.
In a press briefing on Monday, Sept. 29, Castro emphasized that the President remains firm in his stance against dubious budget provisions — a position he has consistently reiterated since his State of the Nation Address in July.
“So makakasiguro po tayo, with all these things happening, makakaasa po ang taong bayan na magiging maayos ang 2026 budget, at hindi po pahihintulutan ng Pangulo ang mga maanumalyang proyekto,” she said, adding that insertions or suspicious items in the budget would face his veto.
Asked about the criticisms that the proposed 2026 national budget was among the “most corrupt,” a phrase earlier used by former senator Franklin Drilon, the Palace official said the public’s anger over questionable insertions mirrors the President’s own frustration.
She added that those who made such moves should reflect on their duty as true public servants.
“Mas maganda po siguro maitanong ito doon sa mga naglagay ng insertions — ano po ang lesson learned nila?,” Castro said.
“Sa nakikita po natin, at naipapakita na galit ng taong bayan na siya rin pong nararamdaman ng Pangulo, nakita po natin na sila ay dapat matuto na, na tumupad sa kanilang mandato,” she added.
Castro emphasized that the Palace’s position is to put the nation’s money into programs that deliver lasting benefits, which is in line with Marcos’ commitment to prudent spending. (Argyll Geducos)
