MANILA — Malacañang framed the temporary surrender of mobile phones and electronic devices during the signing of the 2026 national budget as a measure to preserve order and focus, dismissing claims that the policy curtailed transparency despite concerns raised by journalists’ groups.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the rule was imposed across the board on all guests present during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s signing of the ₱6.793-trillion General Appropriations Act (GAA) at Malacañang, stressing that media were not singled out.
“Hindi lamang taga-media kundi lahat ng guests ay hiniling na i-surrender nila ang kanilang mga cellphones habang pinapasinayaan ang paglagda ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. ang GAA of 2026,” Castro said.
She argued that limiting gadget use helped ensure a more disciplined ceremony, with attendees fully engaged in the proceedings.
“Mas naging maayos ang nasabing programa dahil ang lahat ng naimbitahan ay focus sa isinagawang paglagda ng Pangulo,” she said.
Castro also rejected assertions that the policy undermined openness, pointing out that the event was broadcast live and accessible to the public as it happened.
“Huwag natin kalimutan na ang nasabing event ay naka-live stream at napanuod ng lahat ng sabay sabay kaya wala naman po magiging isyu tungkol sa transparency nito,” Castro said.
She added that the Palace still accommodated media inquiries immediately after the ceremony.
“Sumunod niyan ay nagkaroon naman ng press briefing at ang lahat ng katanungan ng media ay sinagot naman,” she said.
The Palace’s response followed questions raised by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, which criticized the phone and gadget surrender policy, noting that mobile devices are essential tools for journalists, especially during coverage of what the government has described as the country’s most transparent budget process./PN
