Malacañang on Tuesday warned that many government projects could face delays, if the proposed 2026 national budget is not approved on time.
This, as Palace Press Officer Claire Castro maintained that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. does not want a reenacted budget, emphasizing that all efforts must be made to avoid delays.
“Alam po ng lahat, lahat po tayo pati po ang Kongreso, ayaw po ng Pangulo ang isang reenacted budget. Sa panahong natitira, alam natin na lahat ng kakayanan ay dapat gawin para hindi mauwi sa isang budget na reenacted budget (Everyone knows, even Congress, that the President does not want a reenacted budget. At this point, we all know that every possible effort must be made to avoid a reenacted budget),” Castro said in a Palace press briefing.
Citing the Department of Finance’s concern, Castro said many projects would be delayed if Congress fails to pass the spending plan for next year.
The Senate on Monday postponed the bicameral conference on the 2026 budget due to issues involving the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives expressed optimism that the delay would not result in a reenacted budget.
When asked if Marcos has spoken with House and Senate leaders to prevent a reenacted budget, Castro said, “Sa ngayon ay wala pa po sa ating ibinibigay na anumang impormasyon patungkol diyan (As of now, we have no information received regarding that).”
A reenacted budget occurs when the previous year’s budget continues to be implemented because the new budget has not been approved.
Such a scenario can cause delays in the implementation of government programs and projects, particularly those requiring new funding allocations. (PNA)
