Insertions prone to abuse face veto

Palace: Marcos remains open to meaningful budget amendments

- ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

President Marcos is open to meaningful changes in the proposed 2026 national budget, but he will not hesitate to exercise his veto power against amendments or insertions that serve no clear purpose and could lead to abuse, Malacañang said on Friday, Aug. 1.

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro clarified the President's position after Senate President Francis Escudero reminded the Palace that lawmakers have the constitutional power of the purse.

In her press briefing, the Palace press officer explained that the budget would not be rejected if it's justifiable and there are no meaningless insertions.