Manila, Oct. 14 -- Finance Secretary Ralph Recto on Tuesday said the government is aiming for higher revenue collection and a narrower fiscal deficit under the proposed PHP6.79-trillion 2026 national budget, anchored on stronger fiscal discipline and continued digital reforms.

Recto told senators that the Department of Finance (DOF) would pursue a 10.2-percent increase in revenue collections next year without imposing new taxes.

"We want to collect better, spend smarter, and borrow less," Recto said, describing the DOF as the country's "pambansang fundraiser (national fundraiser)."

Of the PHP6.79 trillion budget, only PHP4.98 trillion will be supported by revenues, meaning the government must raise PHP13.65 billion daily to fund nation...