House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Monday said the work of Congress does not end with the signing of the ₱6.793 trillion 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), stressing that the chamber will continue to scrutinize government spending.
“The signing of the budget is not the end of our work. Simula pa lang ito. It is the start of oversight. Congress will make sure every peso is spent exactly as approved,” Dy said after attending the signing ceremony in Malacañang.
He vowed close coordination with the executive branch while firmly exercising oversight.
“There will be zero tolerance for corruption. No leakages, no shortcuts, and no excuses. Ang pera ng bayan ay dapat magamit para sa taumbayan,” he added.
Dy described the 2026 GAA as inclusive, transparent, and accountable, reflecting President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s commitment to responsible spending.
“This is the ‘People’s Budget.’ It is a budget that is open, accountable, and focused on improving lives—creating jobs, strengthening education, expanding health care, and ensuring food security,” he said.
He noted reforms in deliberations opened the budget process to public scrutiny, with the Budget Amendments Review Subcommittee replacing the small committee for amendments.
Education was highlighted as the core of the budget, with ₱1.34 trillion—the highest in history—exceeding 4% of GDP and fully funding the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education program for 2.4 million students.
“The historic amounts allocated for education is an investment in the Filipino youth—an investment in the future of the Filipino nation,” Dy said.
Public health spending will also receive ₱448.12 billion to expand PhilHealth benefits and support zero-balance billing for indigent patients.