Reporters asked to give up phones for budget coverageMalacañang Palace, the official residence of the president of the Philippines, as seen from the Pasig River. 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. On the morning of the event, reporters were informed that they would only be allowed entry if they surrendered their phones and laptops. As of writing, Malacañang has not allowed reporters to enter the venue unless they comply with the requirement to surrender their phones. 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.

Source: Philippine Star January 05, 2026 02:35 UTC