Reporters asked to give up phones for budget coverage

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January 5, 2026 | 10:28am

MANILA, Philippines — Reporters covering the presidential signing of the 2026 General Appropriations Act were surprised after Malacañang required them to surrender their phones and laptops before entering the venue on Monday, January 1.

The national budget is widely regarded as the most important measure passed by the government each year, and the ceremonial signing by the president has traditionally been open to media coverage.

On the morning of the event, reporters were informed that they would only be allowed entry if they surrendered their phones and laptops.

Journalists assigned to cover the signing petitioned to lift the restriction, arguing that their devices were needed to independently over the signing.

As of writing, Malacañang has not allowed reporters to enter the venue unless they comply with the requirement to surrender their phones.

Heightened scrutiny. The signing of the 2026 budget comes in the wake of a major corruption scandal at the Department of Public Works and Highways, which triggered renewed calls for reform and greater transparency in the budget process.

Authorities have alleged that billions of pesos were siphoned off through kickback schemes embedded in public works allocations, placing the national budget under heightened public scrutiny.

Philstar.com has sought a statement from the Presidential Communications Office regarding the restriction.