“Definitely panalo ang ating mga kababayan.”
This was an unequivocal assurance given by Acting Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo in an interview on DZRH News’ Special on Saturday on January 10.
Toledo said the proposed 2026 national budget is intended to ensure that government spending directly benefits Filipinos.
He explained that the budget framework follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize frontline services that have immediate impact on people’s daily lives.
“Ang objective po ng ating Pangulo or ang administrasyon ay pangunahing serbisyo ang bigyan nating puwang sa ating alokasyon para sa ating mga ahensya,” Toledo said.
According to the acting budget chief, spending priorities are centered on sectors that support households and livelihoods.
“Focus po kasi ngayon ay ang edukasyon, agrikultura, kalusugan, social service, at of course, ‘yung job opportunity,” he said.
Toledo said education continues to receive the largest share of the 2026 budget, followed by infrastructure and health, reflecting what he described as a people-centered allocation.
He added that agriculture remains among the government’s top budget priorities, noting that while allocations have increased, the sector has consistently ranked among the top-funded departments in recent years.
“Kasama po lagi naman ang Department of Agriculture kasi sa ngayon po, binibigyan po kasi ng diin para matulungan ang ating farmers and fisherfolk,” Toledo said.
The acting budget secretary also cited safeguards in the General Appropriations Act aimed at preventing political interference in the distribution of government assistance.
“All cash assistance and other forms of financial aid distribution shall be conducted exclusively by authorized government officers and personnel or accredited partners,” Toledo said, quoting the provision.
He also assured that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is committed to disciplined and transparent spending to ensure public funds are used strictly for their intended purposes.
