Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is against carrying over the current budget to next year should Congress delay the approval of the proposed 2026 spending bill, Malacañang said Tuesday, Dec. 16, as lawmakers grapple to resolve a few contentious issues.
Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the president is against stalling projects that will slow down economic activity.
She said the Department of Finance is worried about the impact of a reenacted budget..
“Marami pong madi-delay na proyekto kapag nagkataon,” Castro said.
[Translation: Many projects would be delayed if that happens.]
A reenacted budget is the Constitution’s option for a delayed approval of the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) to the succeeding fiscal year, except that there is no capital outlay that covers new programs and projects that impact economic growth and social services.
Budget talks delayed
The remarks came as the bicameral conference committee, composed of members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, postponed meetings to reconcile their versions of the 2026 budget.
The delay stemmed largely from disagreements over funding cuts and supposed miscalculations in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget, affecting thousands of infrastructure projects.
House appropriations chairperson Mikaela Suansing of Nueva Ecija said lawmakers are still optimistic to approve the budget before Congress adjourns for the year.
“We will work doubly hard between now and Dec. 22,” Suansing said in a separate interview, referring to the extended final session day of Congress.
Palace urges cooperation
Castro said there is still time for legislators to avoid a reenacted budget.
“Sa panahong natitira, alam natin na lahat ng kakayanan ay dapat na gawin para hindi mauwi ang isang budget na reenacted budget,” she said.
[Translation: With the time remaining, we know that everything possible must be done so the budget does not end up getting reenacted.]
Asked whether the president has intervened to bring House and Senate leaders together, Castro said there was no information yet on direct talks.
