DBM asks senators, congressmen to follow President’s budget

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) asked lawmakers to follow President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive on the National Expenditure Program (NEP) to curb corruption and boost transparency and accountability within the government.

Speaking during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), the president made a strong statement on the 2026 national budget, saying he would not approve a proposed budget that deviates from the NEP, also known as the President’s Budget.

“For the 2026 National Budget, I will return any proposed General Appropriations Bill that is not fully aligned with the National Expenditure Program.  And further, I am willing to do this even if we end up with a re-enacted budget,” the president said.

“Hindi ko aaprubahan ang kahit anumang badyet na hindi alinsunod sa plano ng gobyerno para sa sambayanang Pilipino,” Marcos said.

DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman welcomed the president’s stance, saying it would significantly aid in passing a budget responsive to the most pressing concerns of Filipinos.

“We, at the DBM, support the wisdom of the President as we trust that his decisions are always about what’s best for the country,” Pangandaman said.

“In this regard, we likewise appeal to our honorable lawmakers to follow President Bongbong Marcos’ directive and adhere to the NEP as closely as possible,” she said.

Pangandaman said the DBM would ensure that government agencies effectively use their budgets to reach the public, particularly those in need.

“We will strive to eliminate corruption, to have transparency and accountability in the government so that the economic uplift can truly be felt by our countrymen,” she said.

Pangandaman assured the public of increased government investments in key sectors to stimulate economic growth.

“Our President Bongbong Marcos is right that the beauty of our economy deserves to be felt more by our countrymen. It is not enough for us to just show numbers. People need to see and feel where every cent of the nation’s funds go,” Pangandaman said.

“That is why now, we will allocate larger funds not only for infrastructure but also for education and in supporting the upliftment of the livelihoods of Filipinos, especially the next generations,” she said.