Lawmakers early Thursday approved the final version of the proposed ₱6.793 trillion national budget for 2026, effectively ruling out the possibility of a reenacted budget next year.
After nearly 10 hours of deliberations, the bicameral conference committee adjourned past 2 a.m. after Senate and House conferees adopted the reconciled provisions of the General Appropriations Bill, including several contentious allocations such as those for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The Senate and the House of Representatives are set to separately ratify the bicameral conference committee report before transmitting the measure to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for approval ahead of Congress’ yearend break.
Nueva Ecija 1st District Rep. Mika Suansing, chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations, said both chambers agreed to extend sessions to December 29 to ensure ratification.
Sen. Win Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, said the reconciled budget addresses transparency and corruption concerns.
“Itong budget na ito ay corruption-free at higit sa lahat, wala nang overpriced (infrastructure projects). Ito po ang budget na masasabi kong standard transparency,” Gatchalian said.
“Finally we have reconciled the disagreeing provisions and finally, we have a budget that we can be proud of and responsive to the Filipino people,” he added.