MANILA — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is calling on Filipinos — especially the youth — to actively follow and participate in the deliberations of the proposed P2026 national budget, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
“Ang gusto po sana natin ay makibahagi ang ating mga kababayan lalo na po ang ating mga kabataan para malaman po nila kung paano ang mag-gawa ng budget at kung paano ito matatapos,” said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman during the post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) conference in San Juan City.
Pangandaman reiterated that the Marcos administration has opened the budget process to the public, from preparation to passage.
“Ito ay bukas sa tao. Hanggang sa matapos po ito, ito po ay bukas,” she added.
The 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP), or the President’s proposed budget, will be made available through the DBM’s official website once formally transmitted to Congress.
“Sa ngayon po, ini-imprenta na po ang ating budget. In two weeks, ibibigay na po natin ito sa House of Representatives at saka sa Senado,” Pangandaman said.
The DBM chief also said comprehensive consultations and budget hearings will be conducted in both houses of Congress to examine the proposed allocations.
“Kung ano po ang kinakailangan ng ating mga tao, makikinig po kami diyan, mag-i-invest po kami diyan. We will make sure na kung ano ang budget na nakalaan sa atin ay makarating ng mas mabilis sa mga tao,” she said. “We will be more transparent and we will be more accountable sa mga kababayan natin.”/PN
