Iloilo city: The Sangguniang Panlungsod in Iloilo City is preparing to pass the city's 2026 annual budget in the first week of December. Committee on Appropriations chair Rex Marcus Sarabia indicated that while some details are still being finalized, the proposed PHP4.5-billion budget is expected to be approved early next month.

According to Philippines News Agency, the proposed budget marks an 8.62 percent increase from this year's PHP4.14 billion. The city council is also reviewing the PHP83.96 million budget allocated for the Local Economic Enterprises. A key consideration is the budget for the Coordinated Executive Sangguniang Panlungsod Efforts for the Development of Iloilo City (CESPEDIC) program. The program currently mandates a minimum appropriation of PHP150,000 for the vice mayor and PHP92,000 for councilors monthly. Sarabia noted that any excess is at the discretion of the budget preparer, which is the mayor.

During a committee hearing, the CESPEDIC program was identified as underfunded, prompting its return to the local finance committee for adjustments to meet minimum appropriations. The proposed budget allocates 43.84 percent for general public services covering planning, financial, administrative, legal, and legislative services. Social services will receive 27.09 percent to support education, health, and protection services for marginalized sectors.

Furthermore, 17.66 percent of the budget is designated for economic services aimed at fostering economic growth and boosting productivity in agriculture and other industries. The remaining 11.41 percent is reserved for other services not included in the aforementioned sectors. The local government plans to fund 55.13 percent of the budget through local sources, with the remaining 44.87 percent coming from external sources, including the National Tax Allotment Share.