Agenda for Prosperity or Politician’s Gain?

The 2026 national budget, totaling ₱6.793 trillion, represents more than just a financial plan; it is the government’s “Agenda for Prosperity: Nurturing Future-Ready Generations to Achieve the Full Potential of the Nation.”

 This ambitious agenda signals a commitment to invest in the nation’s human capital, social services, infrastructure, and economic development. Yet, the effectiveness of this agenda will ultimately depend on transparency, accountability, and responsible use of public funds.

It is therefore commendable that both the Senate and the House of Representatives have taken concrete steps to make the budget process more open to the public.

The Bicameral Conference Committee (Bicam) meetings were livestreamed, allowing Filipino citizens to observe firsthand how the budget is debated, reconciled, and allocated among government agencies. This level of transparency fosters trust and ensures that taxpayer money is not spent in secrecy.

The people’s taxes are the lifeblood of the government’s programs, and every peso must serve the public not the private interests of politicians or their business ventures.

 The ₱6.793 trillion agenda for prosperity should prioritize investments that improve the quality of life for all Filipinos: health programs that save lives, education that equips future-ready generations, social services that support the vulnerable, and infrastructure that strengthens communities and the economy. The goal must be a stable, comfortable life for every Filipino, not the enrichment of a select few.

Transparency alone is not enough. Civil society, media, and taxpayers must continue to monitor budget execution to ensure that funds are spent efficiently and equitably.

The livestreamed Bicam sessions are a welcome start, but continuous public scrutiny is essential to prevent mismanagement and corruption.

 Government agencies must also provide regular reports on the utilization and impact of allocated funds, so that the “Agenda for Prosperity” translates into tangible results on the ground.

The 2026 national budget is a defining opportunity for the Philippines to demonstrate that governance can be transparent, responsible, and people-centered.

 When properly implemented, this trillion-peso budget can strengthen the nation’s economy, uplift communities, and nurture a generation of Filipinos equipped to reach their full potential.

 Let us ensure that this agenda truly prospers the nation not just businesses or politicians but every Filipino citizen who stands to benefit from a fair, inclusive, and well-managed government.

Philippine People's Press | In Truth We Prevail