PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Congress to “swiftly enact” the proposed P6.79 trillion budget for 2026 as the administration shifts its strategy from heavy infrastructure development to social protection measures and services to uplift the lives of Filipino households in the second half of his term.
The president, in his 48-page budget message, said that while the country is on track with its “agenda for prosperity” and poised to be a leader among nations, especially in the Asia Pacific region, there is still much to rebuild and more that can still be achieved, especially after coming from the coronavirus disease pandemic.
“We must not lose sight of our collective responsibility to ensure a brighter future for our people, especially the next generations. Hence, I urge the honorable members of Congress to swiftly enact this budget. Let us work together to realize the full potential of our nation, nurture future-ready generations and fulfill our dream of a Bagong Pilipinas,” he said.
P6.79T budget submitted to Congress
The Executive branch, through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), submitted on Wednesday the proposed P6.793 trillion National Expenditure Program (NEP) to the House of Representatives, which the president said would help the administration realize its plans and programs for the country.
“As we reach the halfway point of this administration, we shall shift the focus of our strategy to invest greatly not only in infrastructure but in our biggest treasure: our people, especially the next generations. By nurturing future-ready generations, we will be able to truly achieve the full,” Marcos said.
Next year’s proposed budget is 7.4 percent higher than the 2025 budget of P6.326 trillion, and equivalent to 22 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP).
Social services will account for 34.1 percent of the proposed budget or P2.314 trillion; followed by P1.868 trillion or 28.5 percent for economic services; P1.202 trillion or 17.7 percent for general public services; P978.7 billion or 14.4 percent for debt burden; and P430.9 billion or 6.3 percent for defense.
Social services covers education, healthcare, social security and welfare, employment, and culture, and manpower development, among others; while economic services include all activities that stimulate economic activity nationwide as well as communications, roads and other transport services, agriculture and agrarian reform programs, water resources development and flood control measures and tourism efforts.
General services pertain to public order and safety activities and general administrative expenses of the government, among others; while defense services include efforts to bolster domestic security and modernize our defense capabilities and cover budgets for the Department of National Defense (DND), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The debt burden allocation will cover interest payments on government debt and advances to government corporations, among others.
Budget allocations
Per sector, the president said that as mandated under the Constitution, the education sector will get the biggest allocation in the annual budget, with P1.224 trillion in 2026.
Marcos said this will meet the recommended education spending of the UNESCO Education 2030 Framework for Action of allocating 4 to 6 percent of GDP to education. He said this would also meet the UNESCO-recommended 15 to 20 percent of total public expenditure “in line with the administration’s strong commitment to implementing a child-responsive budget and nurturing future-ready generations.”
The president said the Department of Health (DOH) and the PhilHealth will receive the third highest budget allocation for 2026, with P320.5 billion, to honor the promise of universal health care for every Filipino through the building of more specialty hospitals, zero billing in government hospitals, and higher health care insurance
Marcos said to affirm his administration’s enduring commitment to protect the most vulnerable sectors of society, higher allocations were also given to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to ensure the continuity of programs, such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the Walang Gutom: Food Stamp Program; the monthly pension of indigent senior citizens; funding for government assistance to families affected by abuse and calamity; and programs that provide comprehensive assistance to overseas Filipino workers.
He said next year’s budget will also support the administration’s objective of raising the quality of employment, developing a skilled labor force, and strengthening income-earning capacity, particularly among youth, informal workers, and vulnerable populations; as well as sustain efforts to modernize agriculture and agri-business, revitalize industries, reinvigorate services, and advance research and development.
The 2026 budget will also support efforts to foster innovation, promote trade and investments, boost competition while improving regulatory efficiency, strengthen Philippine exports, attract investments, promote skills upgrading, advance green businesses, and promote tourism, he said.
Next year’s budget will continue to support the expansion and upgrading of both infrastructure and digital infrastructure; programs that will ensure affordable, reliable and clean energy; accelerate climate action and strengthen disaster resilience; ensure peace and security; enhance the administration of justice; implement good governance; and improve bureaucratic efficiency, the president said.
Marcos said it would also be used to ensure the country’s continued “commitment to safeguarding our sovereignty, protecting our people, and supporting the men and women in uniform who uphold peace and order across the country.”
