Senate resolves last-minute changes, OK’s 2026 budget on 2nd reading

Metro Manila, Philippines – The proposed ₱6.793-trillion national budget for 2026 cleared the Senate on second reading after the chamber resolved last-minute amendments appealed by senators and agencies.

A majority voted on Thursday, Dec. 4, to pass the budget bill, a day late from the original schedule.

In a chance interview, Senate finance committee chair Win Gatchalian said all senators submitted amendments, as well as a number of Cabinet secretaries on last-minute appeals.

“May mga agency na they feel very strongly so mga secretaries tumatawag tapos may mga nagpapadala ng mga last-minute letters,” he said. 

[Translation: “There were agencies that felt very strongly about their appeals, so some secretaries were calling and sending last-minute letters.]

He added that the complete list of amendments will be uploaded online by Saturday, Dec. 6.

During the session, members of the minority bloc continued to raise questions about the changes. Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano ultimately voted against second reading approval, along with Sen. Joel Villanueva.

Cayetano acknowledged that the proposal is a “good budget,” especially compared to previous years, but said he disagreed with the unprogrammed funds and the lack of clear plans to promote rural development.

“I’m just saying I think we can come up with something that really changes the game for the Filipino people,” Cayetano said. 

The Senate aims to pass the budget on third and final reading on Tuesday, Dec. 9, to make way for the convening of the bicameral conference committee to reconcile differences between the Senate and House versions.

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III assured the public that Congress will pass the 2026 spending plan before year-end to avoid operating under a reenacted budget, which would apply the current outlay to next year.

“We are confident that we will be able to finish it,” Sotto said. 

“Para hindi magkaroon ng reenacted budget na hinding hindi namin papayagan sapagkat pinakamahirap — sabi nga nila the most corrupt budget yung 2025 tapos reenacted?” Hhe added. 

[Translation: So that there won’t be a reenacted budget, which we will never allow because it’s the most difficult – and as they say, the 2025 budget is the most corrupt, so why will we reenact it?]