Abbey M.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the 2026 General Appropriations Bill into law yesterday, January 5, with Malacañang assuring that the national budget for this year is "pork barrel-free."

"We are with you in ensuring that the budget of the nation is for the nation. We will not allow the hard-earned money of every Filipino to fall into the hands of the corrupt," President Marcos said.

[“Kasama ninyo kami sa layuning tiyakin na ang budget ng bayan ay para sa bayan. Hindi tayo na papayag na mapunta sa kurakot ang salaping pinaghirapan ng bawat Pilipino.”]

In his speech at the signing ceremony of the 2026 General Appropriations Bill, President Marcos emphasized that he will not allow the people's money to be stolen through corruption.

The national budget for this year amounts to ₱6.793 trillion.

According to President Marcos, the government will be more careful in spending the national budget this year.

"In the 2026 National Budget, the direction of your government is clear: we will be more frugal, more careful, more responsible in spending the nation's funds. Every program and project will undergo thorough review to ensure it has clear benefits to the people, especially to sectors that need it most," Marcos said.

[“Sa National Budget ng 2026, malinaw ang direksyon ng inyong pamahalaan: magiging mas masinop, mas maingat, mas responsable kami sa paggastos ng pondo ng bayan. 

Ang bawat programa at proyekto ay dadaan sa masusing pagsusuri upang masiguro na ito ay may malinaw na benepisyo sa mamamayan—lalo na sa sektor na higit na nangangailangan.”]

The top ten departments with the largest budgets are the Department of Education with over ₱1 trillion, followed by the Department of Public Works and Highways with a ₱530.9 billion budget, the Department of Health with ₱448.1 billion, the Department of the Interior and Local Government with ₱310.5 billion, and the Department of National Defense with ₱310 billion.

The Department of Agriculture received ₱297.1 billion, the Department of Social Welfare and Development ₱270.2 billion, the Department of Transportation was allocated ₱141 billion, the Department of Labor was given ₱73.6 billion, and the Judiciary received ₱70.6 billion.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto assured that there is no form of pork barrel in the national budget this year, contrary to statements from some legislators.

"We believe it is pork barrel-free because legislators cannot interfere when it comes to executing the budget, and that is purely an executive function when it comes to budget execution," Recto said.

[“Sa tingin namin, pork barrel-free dahil hindi naman puwedeng makialam ang legislator pagdating ng executing the budget at purely executive function na iyan pagdating ng execution of the budget.”]

President Marcos vetoed ₱92.5 billion in unprogrammed appropriations.

With reports of Nel Maribojoc

The Philippines' inflation rate accelerated in December 2025, according to the latest report from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The December 2025 inflation rate was recorded at 1.8 %, faster compared to the 1.5 % recorded in November 2025.

According to Undersecretary Claire Dennis Mapa, National Statistician of PSA the biggest contributor to the inflation increase this month was food prices, particularly rice.

"The contributor to the rise in the inflation rate of food and non-alcoholic beverages was the slower decline in prices of cereals and cereal products, which had a -7.6 % inflation rate, particularly rice," Mapa said.

[“ang nag-ambag sa pagtaas ng antas ng inflation ng food and non-alcoholic beverages ay ang mas mabagal na pagbaba ng presyo ng cereals and cereal products na may -7.6 percent inflation rate, partikular bigas."]

Aside from rice, the faster increase in vegetable prices also contributed significantly to the higher inflation rate.

According to Usec. Mapa, a possible reason for this is the lingering effects of recent typhoons, particularly in provinces that are major sources of vegetables.

The PSA added that other key commodities that contributed to overall inflation last month include fish, particularly galunggong (round scad), as well as onions.

Food and non-alcoholic beverages accounted for 97.5% of the share in the country's overall inflation increase.

ARMYs around the globe are celebrating as 2026 brings major news from their favorite group.

Big Hit Music has officially announced that BTS will reunite as a complete group on March 20, marking their first full album release in almost four years. Following the album drop, the agency revealed plans for a massive world tour.

Ahead of the formal announcement, BTS surprised fortunate fans with handwritten notes during New Year celebrations. These letters displayed the date "2026.3.20," hinting at their highly anticipated return.

In his message, RM expressed that the members themselves have been anticipating this moment more than anyone. Jin conveyed his appreciation for the unwavering patience shown by supporters.

J-Hope revealed that preparations the group has been working on are now coming to fruition. Jimin declared that the time for their reunion has come.

Suga encouraged continued mutual enjoyment and affection throughout the year. V pledged to build additional cherished experiences in 2026 and urged anticipation, while Jung Kook conveyed his longing and requested continued backing.

The group has maintained a self-imposed break since 2022 while members fulfilled their required military obligations. Suga became the last member to finish his service in June 2025.

QUEZON CITY – The Quezon City Police District successfully implemented security measures during New Year's Eve celebrations at Quezon Memorial Circle, Nova Park, and Eastwood in Quezon City, with no major incidents reported.

According to Acting District Director Police Colonel Randy Glenn Silvio, the proper deployment of sufficient personnel and support from other agencies and force multipliers helped ensure public safety during the festivities.

The strict enforcement of regulations against dangerous and illegal firecrackers also contributed significantly to the peaceful celebrations.

Police Colonel Silvio emphasized that coordination with the local government and other stakeholders was key to maintaining orderly and safe security throughout the event.

MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to embrace discipline and unity as the country enters 2026.

In his New Year message, President Marcos urged every Filipino to welcome the year with discipline and confidence, describing it as an opportunity to examine how Filipinos live with one another, how they uplift each other, and how their choices shape the nation.

The President encouraged Filipinos to pause and reflect on the experiences of the past year, emphasizing the importance of learning from challenges while setting direction for the future.

According to Marcos, the arrival of a new year offers a chance for reflection and renewal. It gives Filipinos the opportunity to look back at the past year—the lessons, challenges, and triumphs—and look forward with hope and purpose to the possibilities that await them.

The President added that as the nation navigates the coming days, Filipinos should continue with a clearer understanding of their role and a renewed commitment to building a future shaped not by chance, but by the strength of their will and the clarity of their collective purpose.

Marcos reaffirmed his administration's commitment to the importance of unity and proper moral choices in advancing the nation's progress.

With reports from Nel Maribojoc