After “Working Christmas Holiday” Marcos Jr. Signs 2026 National Budget
MARCOS JR. – The President announced that politicians are no longer allowed to give cash aid or any form of assistance to the people.
Amid the confidence of Pres. Bongbong Marcos of the timely passage of the 2026 budget, the Chief Executive had to spent a working Christmas holiday. According to the Malacañang Palace, he and his team reviewed the P6.79 trillion budget approved by the bicameral conference committee.
Included in the P6.79 trillion proposed budget for 2026 is the P27.3 billion allocated for the Office of the President. Part of the budget allocation is the P4.5 billion for the confidential and intelligence funds of the OP.
The office of Marcos Jr. is poised to get the lion’s share from the total confidential and intel funds proposed for 2026 amounting to P10.77 billion. OP has also asked a P1 billion budget for the President’s local and international trips.
Recently, a ceremonial signing was held at the Malacañang Palace for the signing of the proposed 2026 national budget. After the signing of the budget, Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. gave a speech.
The Padrino System will be junked in the Philippine government as Marcos Jr. ordered the strong implementation of the provision that bars political involvement in the distribution of cash aid and other assistance to the public.
“So we shall also serve as vanguard of public funds ensuring the prudent use of every Peso. We will strictly implement the provision on the prohibition of political involvement in the distribution of cash and other forms of financial assistance,” the President said.
Pres. Bongbong Marcos clarified that government officials are no longer allowed to distribute cash aid. Furthermore, based on a post of News5 on social media, the Chief Executive also stressed that the government will make sure that the assistance comes without patronage.
“Politicians shall be barred from the distribution of any financial aid and we shall ensure that the support reaches the intended beneficiaries without patronage. Walang bawas, walang kulang,” Marcos Jr. said.
In the 2026 national budget, P889 million is allocated for the office of Vice Pres. Sara Duterte.