BUSAN, Nov. 2 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has expressed confidence that the government will craft "a good, clean budget" for 2026 as Congress resumes deliberations on the proposed national spending plan.

Speaking to reporters here after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit on Saturday, Marcos said both chambers of Congress have identified potential savings in government projects, particularly in infrastructure, following his directive to slash construction costs.

"Even now, upon resumption of the budget hearings, marami nang nakita in both Houses, in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, na magkakaroon pa tayo ng savings (both houses of Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives, saw that w...