President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday warned that he will veto the proposed 2026 national budget if it fails to fully align with the government’s National Expenditure Program (NEP).
In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Marcos said he would not sign any General Appropriations Act (GAA) that deviates from the administration’s priority programs and tolerates fund misuse.
“Therefore, for the 2026 National Budget, I will return any proposed General Appropriations Bill that is not fully aligned with the National Expenditure Program,” the President said.
The President’s declaration was met by a resounding applause.
“And further, I am willing to do this even if we end up with a reenacted budget,” President Marcos added.
The Chief Executive issued the warning following his personal inspection of flood-stricken areas affected by the southwest monsoon and recent typhoons.
The President highlighted poorly executed and allegedly fraudulent flood control projects, many of which have caused more damage than they have provided protection.
“Huwag na po tayong magkunwari. Alam naman ng buong madla na nagkaka-racket sa mga proyekto,” President Marcos stressed.
“Mga kickback, mga initiative, errata, SOP, for the boys. Kaya sa mga nakikipagsabwatan upang kunin ang pondo ng bayan at nakawin ang kinabukasan ng ating mga mamamayan, mahiya naman kayo sa inyong kapwa Pilipino!” the President added.
To prevent the recurrence of such abuses, President Marcos ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to submit a comprehensive inventory of flood control projects initiated or completed over the last three years.
The President also directed the Regional Project Monitoring Committees to verify the status of the projects and identify those that were unfinished, failed, or fictitious.
President Marcos said that the government will publish the list, urging the public to participate in validating the findings and assist in the investigation.
“Kailangan malaman ng taong-bayan ang buong katotohanan. Kailangang may managot sa naging matinding pinsala at katiwalian,” the President said.
Earlier this month, the President approved the PhP6.793-trillion national budget for fiscal year 2026. The proposed national budget is a fiscal consolidation strategy that aims to fund programs aligned with national development goals, including infrastructure, health, education, and economic recovery.
The President’s unprecedented move signals his strong stance on fiscal responsibility, transparency, and zero tolerance for corruption. | PND
