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Marcos Signs 2026 Budget Amid Corruption Concerns

1/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. signed the 2026 budget totaling 6.793 trillion pesos (US$115 billion) on January 5, 2026.
The budget is 7% higher than last year and includes nearly US$1.6 billion in unprogrammed appropriations linked to corruption.
The signing ceremony occurred in Manila with cabinet officials and legislators in attendance.
Marcos acknowledged concerns about previous budgets and called for transparency.
His popularity has declined amid ongoing corruption investigations.

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Story summary

President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. signed the 2026 budget totaling 6.793 trillion pesos (US$115 billion) on January 5, 2026.
The budget is 7% higher than last year and includes nearly US$1.6 billion in unprogrammed appropriations linked to corruption.
The signing ceremony occurred in Manila with cabinet officials and legislators in attendance.
Marcos acknowledged concerns about previous budgets and called for transparency.
His popularity has declined amid ongoing corruption investigations.