President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. warned that he would reject any proposed 2026 national budget not fully aligned with the government’s National Expenditure Program (NEP), saying he is prepared to return the bill to Congress, even if it results in a reenacted budget.
“For the 2026 national budget, I will return any proposed general appropriations bill that is not fully aligned with the national expenditure program,” President Marcos said during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
The president issued the warning as part of a broader push to eliminate wasteful spending and systemic corruption in government infrastructure projects.
Citing recent inspections of flood control projects affected by the Habagat monsoon and storms ‘Crising,’ ‘Dante,’ and ‘Emong,’ President Marcos said many initiatives were either substandard, incomplete, or entirely nonexistent.
President Marcos ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to submit a full inventory of all flood control projects launched or completed in the past three years.
These will be reviewed by the Regional Project Monitoring Committees to determine which projects failed, remain unfinished, or are suspected of being “ghost projects.”
The list will then be made public to allow citizens to participate in the vetting process.
An audit and performance review will also be conducted to examine how public funds were used, with Mr. Marcos warning that criminal charges will be filed in the coming months against those found liable, including complicit contractors.
In addition to infrastructure, the president also addressed widespread complaints over access to clean water.
He cited reports showing that more than 6 million consumers are currently affected by service issues.
President Marcos said the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) is now taking urgent action to address failures by water districts and their private partners.
He pledged to improve access and affordability, particularly in remote and island communities, and to hold accountable those who neglected their responsibilities.
“Therefore, the LWUA is now taking effective measures against the poor service of water districts and their joint venture partners,” the president said.
“LWUA will ensure that the water service of millions of our countrymen will be put in order and the price will be made more affordable,” he added.
Moreover, President Marcos called on the public to set aside differences and work together for the country.
“To everyone here: Let us set aside our differences and unite on the three things that bind us: our being Filipino, our nationalism, and our sworn duty to the people,” the president said.
