CAGAYAN DE ORO — Before the signing of the General Appropriations Act of 2026 on Monday, January 5, reporters covering Malacañan Palace were asked at the last minute to surrender their phones and laptops before entering the venue.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) questioned this “surprise requirement.”

While all guests were required to follow the same protocol, NUJP said that phones and laptops are indispensable equipment for media workers and the ban hinders them from doing their work.

“Restrictions on media on the signing of what has been touted as the most transparent national budget bill ever are ironic as well as unnecessary since journalists on the Palace beat have been vetted and are not strangers to coverage protocol,” NUJP said in a statement.

The national budget has been the important measure being passed by the national government each year, and the presidential signing has been opened to the media.

Despite claims that the 2026 national budget is the “cleanest ever,” there were still issues being raised by the minority legislators. These included “soft pork,” unprogrammed appropriations, and confidential funds.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a journalist told Bulatlat that they were informed about the rule through their group chat. As a result, they decided not to cover the signing at the venue and proceeded instead to their press office to monitor the event.

The journalist also confirmed that there was no explanation provided to them.

Danilo Arao, a journalism professor at the University of the Philippines Diliman, said in a Facebook post that the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) should explain why they imposed such a ban. “What monstrosity and idiocy is this last-minute restriction? Unacceptable,” he wrote.

There was a press briefing after the ceremonial signing but the banning of gadgets was not discussed. As of this writing, no statement has been released by the Malacañang Press Corps. (RVO)

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