By Brian Campued
Aside from having more time with his family, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said that his other wish this Christmas is for Congress to pass a “good” budget for 2026.
The President made the remark during the third part of “BBM Podcast” Episode 6 on Thursday, when college students from Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of the East, and West Visayas State University asked him what he wants to have this Christmas.
“I don’t know how specific you want to get, but for Christmas, the legislature will provide us [with] a good budget,” Marcos said. “That will make for a very nice Christmas. [If] intangible, more time with my family.”
The bicameral conference committee—tasked with reconciling the Senate and House versions of the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026—is set to convene on Dec. 13. Congress aims to submit the enrolled copy of the 2026 General Appropriations Bill to the President before Christmas.
With the education sector receiving the biggest share of the pie, at P1.38 trillion, Marcos underscored the need to address the glaring shortage of classrooms along with decent school facilities, teaching equipment, and even internet connectivity.
“Parang para kang nagpapatayo ng bahay. ‘Yung pundasyon natin napakahina eh. Na-neglect natin ‘yung education nang napakatagal… So, kailangan natin maghabol,” he said.
He also vowed continued support for state universities and colleges, noting that the government has allotted P185 billion for their maintenance and operations under the 2026 budget.
The Chief Executive emphasized that the government needs to double down its efforts on addressing the various lapses and challenges in the education system—reminding Filipinos of their unquestionable right to quality education.
“Education is one of those things that I hope we can get started in such a way na kahit… my administration is no longer here, this will continue—[na] masanay ang tao so that it becomes na nga a right. And if it is taken away from you, you can demand for it to be brought back,” Marcos said.
“That’s what I want to instill in everybody. That’s what I want to instill in government. That’s what I want to instill in the people that it is a right. You can demand it. It is a right,” he added.
-av
