Senate passes 2026 budget on 2nd reading

The General Appropriations Bill (GAB) was approved on second reading before 6 p.m. after a lengthy interpellation by Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano.

The Senate eyes to pass the budget on third and final reading on Tuesday, Dec. 9.

Monday, Dec. 8 is Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a holiday.

The Senate leadership hopes to livestream the bicameral conference committee hearings to dispel allegations of budget insertions.

In a speech for the period of amendments delivered on Tuesday, Senate finance committee chairman Sherwin Gatchalian said a key amendment in the budget is the restoration of P52.13 billion in the budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

This was the result of the restoration of the five percent reduction in the Construction Materials Price Data (CMPD).

Another key amendment is the reduction of Foreign Assisted Projects in the amount of P53 billion.

“This re-aligns funding to cover the costs of restoring the P52.13-billion reduction so that project costs can be properly funded, and delays can be avoided,” Gatchalian said.

Another amendment is the P15.33 billion increase in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, “specifically to support the recovery of disaster-stricken areas.”

“For years, our communities have been on the receiving end of extreme weather events and natural hazards – shocks that spell disaster to livelihoods and the safety of families,” Gatchalian said.

“And they have had to pick up the pieces of their lives on their own. This recommendation is grounded in need. And this program is long overdue,” he added.

Another key amendment is the restoration of the 4Ps Program in the National Expenditure Program (NEP) level at P11.17 billion.

“This correction is needed because the 4Ps Program faces a 19.4 billion payment deficiency for October to December 2025,” Gatchalian said. — Marc Jayson Cayabyab