MANILA, Philippines — Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda on Thursday announced the integration of blockchain technology into the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) as part of the government's efforts to ensure transparency and prevent the misuse of public funds.
In a press conference in Malacañang, Aguda said the Philippines has become the first country to adopt a blockchain system for its entire national budget.
Aguda said the initiative, known as the Digital Bayanihan Chain, digitized the full budget cycle, including congressional approval, disbursement, expenditure and reporting to create a tamper-proof record of government spending.
"So, I am happy to announce, the Philippines is the first legislative body in Asia to use blockchain for the national budget and the first country in the world to have a fully on-chain national budget. So, first in the Philippines. That means, the people's money has a permanent digital receipt – it cannot be altered or falsified," Aguda said.
"We didn't just follow suit, we leapfrogged while other countries only use blockchain in some portions of their budget, By the end of this year, the Philippines will be the first country to put its entire national budget into a tamper-proof system," he added.
