Manila: The approval of the PHP6.793-trillion proposed 2026 national budget before the end of the year remains the Senate's top priority despite concerns from House leaders, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said Thursday. Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, emphasized the importance of proceeding with scheduled budget briefings to avoid delays in the budgeting process.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian reiterated the Senate's commitment to passing a proper and trustworthy national budget to ensure continuous economic development. His statement came in response to the House of Representatives' leadership, led by Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno, which sought to return the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). This request arose from concerns over duplicate funding and insertions in budget proposals from various government agencies, including the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which has been linked to several allegedly anomalous flood control projects.

Malaca±ang previously urged government agencies to revisit their spending plans for 2026 to identify any possible budget insertions. This call followed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive for a comprehensive review of the DPWH's proposed budget to implement necessary corrections.

DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and newly appointed DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon have pledged to complete the budget review within a two-week timeframe. They assured that any potential changes would be communicated to Congress through errata.