President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ruled out sending the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) back to Malacañang despite calls from lawmakers amid alleged budget insertions in flood control projects.
Speaking in his “BBM Podcast,” Marcos said only the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget would undergo a review and rewrite before being resubmitted to Congress.
He emphasized that the Executive has already instructed the DPWH to revise its allocation to address concerns raised.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin assured full cooperation with Congress, saying the Palace is open to adjustments but stressed the NEP should serve as a guide, not the final target.
The move seeks to balance congressional scrutiny with the administration’s commitment to fiscal accountability.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 9, 2025
