Manila, Dec. 24 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is set to sign the proposed 2026 national budget in the first week of January, Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto said Wednesday.

Recto clarified this in a text message to reporters amid questions on whether the President would be able to sign the spending measure before the end of the year.

The proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) totals PHP 6.793 trillion and is aimed at funding key government programs, infrastructure projects, and social services for the coming year.

Congress earlier adjusted its legislative calendar to accommodate the ratification of the bicameral conference committee report on the 2026 budget, which is scheduled on Dec. 29, a day before lawmakers adjou...