NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Budget Push Continues As Palace Shake-Up Sparks Questions
Photo credit: PCO
Malacañang insists the government will still meet its target date for passing the 2026 national budget — even as major changes hit President Marcos’ team of economic managers.
In a Tuesday press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the recent reshuffling of top officials at the Department of Finance (DOF) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) won’t derail the budget process.
The Palace earlier announced a major swap in the President’s inner circle: Finance Secretary Ralph Recto will replace Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, while Frederick Go — the President’s Special Assistant for Investment and Economic Affairs — will take over Recto’s post at the DOF.
Meanwhile, DBM Undersecretary Rolando Toledo has been named officer-in-charge following the exit of Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.
“We were able to talk to Secretary Go, and according to him, the Cabinet members reassigned to DOF and DBM are the same people who worked on the budget and finances. So there will be no problem with that,” Castro said.
She added confidently: “Yes, the timely passage of the national budget will push through. They are working on that.”
The House of Representatives has already approved the proposed ₱6.793-trillion spending plan last October 13, while the Senate is now in the final stages of plenary debates.
Once both chambers finish their versions, a bicameral conference committee will reconcile the differences before sending the final budget to Malacañang.
But the timing of the departures has raised eyebrows.
The Palace confirmed that President Marcos accepted the resignations of Bersamin and Pangandaman to allow an investigation into alleged irregularities in flood-control projects. Also stepping down is Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin.
In a Tuesday press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the recent reshuffling of top officials at the Department of Finance (DOF) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) won’t derail the budget process.
The Palace earlier announced a major swap in the President’s inner circle: Finance Secretary Ralph Recto will replace Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, while Frederick Go — the President’s Special Assistant for Investment and Economic Affairs — will take over Recto’s post at the DOF.
Meanwhile, DBM Undersecretary Rolando Toledo has been named officer-in-charge following the exit of Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.
“We were able to talk to Secretary Go, and according to him, the Cabinet members reassigned to DOF and DBM are the same people who worked on the budget and finances. So there will be no problem with that,” Castro said.
She added confidently: “Yes, the timely passage of the national budget will push through. They are working on that.”
The House of Representatives has already approved the proposed ₱6.793-trillion spending plan last October 13, while the Senate is now in the final stages of plenary debates.
Once both chambers finish their versions, a bicameral conference committee will reconcile the differences before sending the final budget to Malacañang.
But the timing of the departures has raised eyebrows.
The Palace confirmed that President Marcos accepted the resignations of Bersamin and Pangandaman to allow an investigation into alleged irregularities in flood-control projects. Also stepping down is Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin.
Nov 19, 2025
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
