Recto orders agencies to speed up budget spending, finalize 2027 priorities
At A Glance
- Executive Secretary Ralph Recto convened key Cabinet officials to review the implementation of the 2026 national budget and finalize spending priorities for 2027.
- The meeting was held in line with President Marcos' directive to closely monitor budget utilization and speed up the delivery of government programs.
- Recto also reviewed the progress of the administration's UPLIFT interventions aimed at providing immediate assistance to vulnerable sectors.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto has directed government agencies to accelerate the implementation of their 2026 budgets and finalize priority expenditures for next year in line with President Marcos' push to improve public service delivery.
Recto convened key Cabinet officials on June 22 for a whole-of-government budget review to assess the utilization of this year's appropriations and ensure that the proposed 2027 national budget reflects the administration's priorities.
The meeting was held in accordance with President Marcos' directive to regularly monitor the implementation of the national budget, address delays in project execution, and ensure that public funds are spent efficiently for the benefit of Filipinos.
"We need to closely track the execution of the 2026 budget and finalize the 2027 national budget," Recto said.
"Let us get our act together and ensure that our programs and projects are delivered faster in the second half of the year," he added.
During the meeting, Recto emphasized the need for agencies to improve budget execution to ensure that projects and services are delivered on time.
The review forms part of the administration's efforts to strengthen fiscal management and maximize the impact of government spending.
Under the Constitution, President Marcos is required to submit the proposed 2027 national budget to Congress within 30 days after delivering his State of the Nation Address on July 26.
UPLIFT programs reviewed
Recto also assessed the progress of the government's UPLIFT interventions, stressing that programs providing immediate assistance to vulnerable sectors should remain among the administration's top priorities.
The UPLIFT initiative brings together key government programs designed to help low-income families cope with economic challenges while improving access to essential services.
Among those who attended the meeting were Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Budget and Management Secretary Kim de Leon, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, and Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.
Senior officials from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Agriculture also participated in the budget review.