Manila, Dec. 11 -- "A good 2026 national budget and more time with family." These are President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s personal wishes as Christmas approaches.

"I don't know how specific you want to get, but for Christmas, [my wish is] that the legislature will provide us a good budget," Marcos said in the sixth episode of his podcast aired Thursday.

Marcos will not certify the proposed 2026 national budget since Congress is expected to pass the spending plan on time, Malacanang said on Wednesday.

Congress is scheduled to submit the enrolled copy of the 2026 General Appropriations Bill to Marcos before Christmas.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Tuesday said the bicameral conference committee will convene from Dec. 12 to 14, a...