President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the P6.793-trillion 2026 national budget into law on January 5, 2026, at Malacañang Palace, amid a major government corruption scandal. This marks the latest signing under his administration, leading to a reenactment of the 2025 budget until January 4. The budget emphasizes education, health, and anti-corruption reforms.
On January 5, 2026, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) during a ceremony at Malacañang Palace. This followed a major corruption scandal at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), where billions of pesos were allegedly siphoned through kickbacks in substandard or non-existent flood control projects. In his speech, Marcos stated, 'These challenges are painful but they also made one thing clear: real change could no longer wait.'
The P6.793-trillion budget allocates the highest amount to education at P1.34 trillion, supporting teachers and classroom construction. Health receives a record P448.125 billion to advance Universal Health Care. This includes P129.8 billion for PhilHealth, incorporating the P60 billion ordered by the Supreme Court to be returned.
Marcos announced vetoing nearly P92.5 billion in unprogrammed appropriations to prevent discretionary spending. The budget was delayed by a bicameral conference deadlock, resulting in a reenactment of the 2025 budget until January 4. Acting Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo said, 'The 2026 budget underscores the Marcos Jr. administration’s commitment to place the Filipino people at the center of the country’s growth.'
Following the signing, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto held a press briefing with officials from the Department of Finance, Department of Budget and Management, and Department of Economy, Planning, and Development. However, reporters were required to surrender their phones and laptops before entering the venue, causing friction.
The signing occurs against a backdrop of GDP decline from the scandal, aiming to restore trust through enhanced transparency, including the first livestream of bicameral deliberations.
