Manila: Senate Committee on Finance chairperson Sherwin Gatchalian and Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson announced that the signing of the proposed PHP6.793-trillion 2026 national budget is scheduled for January 5. This decision aims to provide the Executive branch with adequate time to review the extensive budget documents.
According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian noted that transmitting the budget to the Executive on December 29, just before the new year, would not afford enough time for a thorough review of the 4,000+ page document. He emphasized that postponing the signing to January 5 is a prudent move to ensure comprehensive scrutiny of every budget provision.
Gatchalian confirmed that the ratified budget will be sent to Malaca±ang on December 29. The delay in signing will result in a temporary reenactment of the 2025 budget at the beginning of 2026.
Lacson expressed that a brief reenactment is preferable to hastening the approval of the 2026 General Appropriations Act, which could compromise safeguards and accountability. He highlighted ongoing investigations into misuse of funds, particularly in flood control projects, as a reason for caution.
The bicameral conference committee faced challenges reconciling differences on several contentious provisions, including budget increases for farm-to-market roads and aid programs like the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), which Lacson believes are susceptible to political misuse.
Lacson mentioned that the Department of Public Works and Highways requested restoration of its budget portions despite previous commitments to reduce allocations due to overpriced Construction Materials Price Data (CMPD).
To mitigate these concerns, Lacson stated that the Senate agreed to insert general and special provisions in the 2026 budget to act as safeguards. These include a ban on guarantee letters in aid distribution, strict implementation of MAIFIP under the Universal Health Care program, and monthly oversight of infrastructure and farm-to-market road projects to facilitate public monitoring.
Lacson concluded by acknowledging the imperfections in the bicameral committee report regarding the proper utilization of public funds, noting the challenges in achieving an ideal scenario in government fund management.
