President Marcos Approves P6.7-Trillion National Expenditure Program
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the proposed P6.7-trillion National Expenditure Program for Fiscal Year 2026, local leaders noted. This significant budget aims to enhance the quality of education and improve the daily lives of Filipinos across the nation.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro shared that “intending to improve the quality of education in the Philippines and ease the lives of Filipinos, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved the P6.793 trillion proposed budget for next year.” The approval marks a crucial step toward the government’s development goals.
Malacañang Cautions on Online Gambling Ban
Malacañang emphasized on Tuesday that any decision to impose a total ban on online gambling must not be rushed. According to sources, the issue is under careful study by the President, who is aware of the growing concerns surrounding online gaming.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro mentioned during a briefing that Senator Raffy Tulfo had expressed hope for President Marcos to address the matter in his upcoming fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona). The administration remains cautious, weighing the potential impacts before taking action.
President Marcos’ Trust Rating Climbs Ahead of Sona
In a recent Social Weather Stations survey, President Marcos’s trust rating soared by 10 percentage points, rising from 38 percent in May to 48 percent in June. This marks the first double-digit jump since last year, reflecting growing public confidence as the President prepares for his fourth Sona.
Search for Missing Sabungeros Continues in Taal Lake
The Philippine Coast Guard deployed submersible equipment on the fifth day of the search for missing cockfighting enthusiasts, locally known as “sabungeros,” whose remains are believed to be submerged in the deep waters of Taal Lake. Junior Grade Dawn Baterbonia, a spokesperson for the PCG Southern Tagalog District, confirmed that a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) was launched from the Taal Lake Central Fish Port early Tuesday morning to aid the search effort.
Retired General Denies Involvement in Sabungero Abduction
A retired police general denied any role in the abduction of the missing sabungeros. During a National Police Commission (Napolcom) hearing, whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as Totoy, identified retired Lt. Gen. Jonnel Estomo as an “Alpha member” of the Pitmaster cockfighting group. Estomo, however, refuted these allegations.
Former Lawmaker Refuses to Plead in Murder Case
Former lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr. declined to enter a plea regarding a 2019 murder case. Consequently, a Manila court entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. His lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, explained that Teves continues to protest the manner of his repatriation by the Philippine government, which complicates his legal situation.
For more news and updates on President Marcos’s National Expenditure Program, visit Filipinokami.com.
