Manila, Dec. 18 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remains confident that the proposed 2026 national budget will be passed before year-end, Malacanang said on Thursday, following the conclusion of the bicameral conference committee deliberations by Congress.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President is confident that the final version of the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) will be transmitted to Malacanang on time and signed before the end of the year.

"Confident pa rin ang Pangulo na mapipirmahan ang maayos na 2026 national budget (The President is still confident that a well-prepared 2026 national budget will be signed)," Castro said in a text message.

The Senate and the House of Representatives early Thu...