The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) reiterated its commitment to fiscal discipline, local empowerment, and disaster resilience as the Senate began plenary deliberations on the proposed ₱6.793-trillion national budget for 2026.
In the early rounds of debate, senators focused on funding for local government units (LGUs) and disaster-response programs, priorities aligned with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to produce a “good, clean budget” that strengthens community capacities and ensures proper use of public funds.
“DBM continues to emphasize accountability and improved utilization of the budget at all levels of government,” said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.
Key allocations under review include the Local Government Support Fund, special shares of LGUs from national taxes and fire-code fees, death benefits for barangay officials, and budgets for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Contingent Fund, Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, Pension and Gratuity Fund, and Unprogrammed Appropriations.
These allocations aim to strengthen local infrastructure, enhance disaster preparedness, and improve delivery of social services, especially in provinces still recovering from recent typhoons.
Lawmakers called for tighter coordination between agencies and LGUs to ensure prompt release and proper use of relief and rehabilitation funds, avoiding bureaucratic delays that often hamper post-disaster efforts.
Both majority and minority senators emphasized financial transparency and stronger accountability mechanisms, particularly for locally implemented projects.
Senate debates are expected to continue in the coming weeks as sectoral budgets are reviewed and spending priorities are adjusted ahead of final approval.