President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the ₱6.793 trillion General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2026 on January 5, 2026 at Malacañang Palace, despite the biggest budget controversy his administration has faced.
The budget approval was followed by allegations of widespread corruption, including billions of pesos in pork barrels and massive cuts in welfare programs. The issue intensified after the revelation of the alleged flood control kickback scheme in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), where billions of pesos in funds were allegedly misappropriated.
In response, transparency steps were implemented such as the first-ever livestream of bicameral conference committee deliberations, although this caused a delay in budget ratification and a temporary reenacted budget for five days. Despite this, budget watchdogs continue to warn and urge the President to veto controversial provisions to prevent corruption.
