Manila, Jan. 21 -- Executive Secretary Ralph Recto met with leaders of local government leagues to strengthen coordination on the timely, transparent, and accountable use of funds under the 2026 national budget.

In a statement on Wednesday, Recto said the meeting carries out President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive "to truly make local government units (LGUs) not as mere recipients but active partners in utilizing the country's financial resources."

The recently signed General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2026 provides PHP 1.4 trillion in downloadable funds for provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays, covering internal revenue allotments, local infrastructure support, and special purpose funds.

One of the funds significan...