Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is now pushing for a bill seeking to standardize the budgeting process for infrastructure projects and curb overpricing through a Detailed Unit Price Analysis (DUPA) system. Escudero introduced the DUPA system under Senate Bill No. 1467, which he filed on...
Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has filed a resolution asking the Senate to examine the implementation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program which he noted is seemingly moving at a slow pace. Estrada, in filing Senate Resolution No. 161, said there is a necessity for...
DAVAO CITY – The Davao City Council Committee on Finance, Ways and Means, and Appropriations has completed the review of the proposed P15.8-billion city budget for 2026, an increase of about P1.8 billion from last year’s P14-billion allocation. Speaking before the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos...
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—President Marcos has officially taken over the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Marcos assumed the ASEAN chairmanship on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from Malaysia in a ceremony, capping this year 's ASEAN Summit. In his speech, Marcos vowed...
The Senate will be uncompromising in removing some P42-billion in appropriations for “ayuda” or social assistance programs from the unprogrammed appropriations in the proposed 2026 budget bill, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said on Tuesday, October 28. Lacson said the...
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—The Philippines is set assume the chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 28. President Marcos is set to formally accept the hosting of the 48th ASEAN Summit from Malaysia as he concludes his participation at the 47th ASEAN...
Many Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) lawyers are succumbing to psychiatric illnesses due to the heavy workload, PAO chief Persida Rueda-Acosta said on Monday, October 27. Acosta disclosed the agency’s problem during the Senate Committee on Finance’s hearing on the proposed budget of the PAO...
A Senate finance subcommittee approved the proposed 2026 budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for plenary approval on Monday, Oct. 27, subject to discussion and the submission of requested documents. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Senator Sherwin Gatchalian stated in the...
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has validated 798 of the 946 infrastructure projects flagged by senators as “reappearing” items in the proposed 2026 national budget. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, during the Senate budget deliberations on Monday, said the validated projects,...
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri is pushing for additional funding for the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in its proposed 2026 budget, justifying its strong performance in implementing land distribution and support programs for farmers in seeking the augmentation. Zubiri...
Bacolod City is eyeing a P4.75-billion budget in 2026, a 7.96 percent increase or P350 million more than this year’s P4.4-billion appropriation. The proposed budget reflects growth in both local and external revenue streams. The Social Services Sector will receive P2.29 billion or 48 percent of...
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday, October 21, renewed its call to regain control of classroom construction funds in 2026, saying it can ensure faster and more transparent delivery of school projects after reporting that only 22 classrooms were built under the Department of Public...
