President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. opted to stay in Manila over the New Year to concentrate on reviewing the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act, Malacañang said.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President has no travel plans and will spend the holiday with his family.
“The president will stay here and will not travel. He will welcome the New Year with his family and loved ones,” Castro said in a message to reporters.
She confirmed that Marcos has been working from the Palace to scrutinize next year’s national budget.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto earlier said the 2026 General Appropriations Act was transmitted to the Executive Branch after being ratified by both chambers of Congress.
Pending its approval, the government will begin 2026 under a reenacted budget, though officials assured uninterrupted operations.
Marcos is expected to sign the 2026 national budget within the first week of January.