The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) welcomed the passage of the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) as a critical blueprint for national advancement, noting the importance of ensuring that allocations truly benefit all Filipinos.
“We welcome the passage of the 2026 GAA and we hope that the taxpayers’ money will be judiciously spent and utilized in ways that benefit all Filipinos. It should drive inclusive growth and economic progress across the country,” PCCI President Ferdinand “Perry” Ferrer said in a statement, adding that effective implementation must be carried out in consultation with the private sector.
To further strengthen budget transparency, Ferrer expressed support for the proposed CADENA Act (Citizens’ Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability), which seeks to make every peso of public spending fully transparent, traceable, and accountable to the public.
“It is not enough to know what projects are created and funded but rather the detailed cost of the project should be transparent to ensure efficient use of taxpayers money. There has to be proper check and balance in every project spending,” he added.
Ferrer also welcomed President Marcos’ move to veto approximately P92.5B unprogrammed funds, describing it as a decisive step toward promoting fiscal discipline, accountability, and transparency in government spending.
The PCCI chief highlighted five priority areas where the national budget can be programmed to drive inclusive growth and long-term economic progress. These priorities include the development and enhancement of both hard and soft infrastructure systems; investment in education and workforce skills to build a future-ready labor force; measures to boost trade competitiveness and develop resilient supply chains; initiatives to reinforce economic resilience and manage inflation; and policies that safeguard food, water, and energy security for all Filipinos.
“Implemented with integrity and in close consultation with the private sector, the 2026 GAA can be a transformative tool for enhancing Philippine competitiveness. We look forward to deepening our collaboration to ensure public spending effectively empowers MSMEs, creates quality jobs, and catalyzes long-term, inclusive growth,” Ferrer added.
Likewise, Ferrer urged the adoption of strong fiduciary safeguards and institutionalized stakeholder dialogues during the budget execution phase, ensuring that allocations must be translated into tangible economic value that strengthens investors’ confidence and sustains public trust.
