Wishing for a ‘pork’-free budget

In late 2024, public outrage over accusations that Vice President Sara Duterte had misused P612.5 million in confidential funds was dissipated by revelations of corruption in the crafting of the annual national budget by administration allies.

- 

While President Marcos exercised his veto powers over some of the most controversial items, it was seen mainly as a token gesture in correcting what those knowledgeable in budgeting have described as the most corrupt national outlay ever.

This new year, President Marcos has the opportunity to correct his perceived complicity in the budgeting anomalies, and to show sincerity in his avowed commitment to transparency, accountability and good government.

Both chambers of Congress have ratified the enrolled bill proposing a P6.79-trillion national budget for 2026. Malacañang said the President would forgo a holiday break to oversee a review "with a fine-tooth comb" of the Congress-approved outlay before signing it into law.