Manila, Jan. 5 -- Senate leaders on Monday expressed support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s decision to veto PHP92.5 billion worth of items under the Unprogrammed Appropriations (UA) of the 2026 national budget, saying the move reinforces safeguards against political patronage and discretionary spending.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the proposed 2026 budget was already the "cleanest ever," but noted that the President wanted it "squeaky clean."

"'Yun ang isa sa mga contentious na issue na sometimes sa legislation, kailangan magbigay ka kaya malinis 'yun budget. pero gusto ni PBBM mas malinis pa (That is one of the contentious issues that sometimes, in legislation, you have to give way, which is why the budget is clea...