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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Senate starts period of amendments on 2026 national budget

Senate starts period of amendments on 2026 national budget

Published Dec 2, 2025 04:32 pm

At A Glance

  • The Senate on Tuesday, December 2 formally opened the period of amendments to the proposed 2026 national budget.

The Senate on Tuesday, December 2 opened the period of amendments to the proposed 2026 national budget. 

This, after the Upper Chamber experienced a setback following a fire that hit one of the offices at the third floor last Sunday, November 30, and pushed back the budget schedule for this week. 

Senate President Vicente Sotto III declared the period of the committee amendments to the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) open upon the motion of Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri. 

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, presented to the body Senate Committee Report No. 18 which contains the committee amendments to the budget. 

“It has been 21 days since we sponsored the proposed national budget for 2026. The long hours and passionate discussions are part of a process meant to detect gaps, shore up weaknesses, and correct any inconsistencies in a document that carries real stakes in the lives of our people,” Gatchalian said during the plenary session which started at 1 p.m.

“We will hold ourselves accountable and that those who serve us will follow through. Mr. President, I move for the adoption of the amendments contained in Committee Report 18 and that the same be used as reference for individual amendments,” he further said. 

Senate Committee Report No. 18 has been uploaded to the Senate’s official website, in keeping with the Senate’s commitment to a transparent budget process.

Gatchalian assured that all proposed individual amendments shall be read on the floor and submitted for the body’s consideration and approval; each amendment will specify the agency, program, activity or project, and the corresponding amount.

The Senate originally scheduled the start of the period of amendments on Monday, but the chamber was forced to delay the opening due to the weekend fire. 

With little room for error, Gatchalian said the Senate will work hard to avoid a reenacted budget.

Moreover, the Senate is keen on holding the bicameral conference committee meetings at a government-owned venue in Intramuros, Manila. The meetings will be live streamed, also as part of transparency efforts. 

The Senate is eyeing Dec. 16 for the signing of the bicam report, and Dec. 29 for the signing of the 2026 national budget.  

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