Budget ratification and signing set for Dec. 29

PHILIPPINE LAWMAKERS on Thursday reconciled disagreeing provisions of the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026, ending Congress’ review of the spending plan marked by one of the most contentious proceedings in recent years amid a corruption scandal over flood control projects.

- By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio Reporter

They aim to ratify the budget bill in the last week of December, giving President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. a short window to review the spending plan despite Congress’ intention to allow the Executive more time.

Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian, who heads the Senate Finance Committee, said the bicameral report would likely be signed on Dec. 28 and ratified by both the Senate and House of Representatives on Dec. 29, with Mr. Marcos expected to sign it that same day without vetoes.

The President has until Dec. 31 to sign the spending bill, or next year's appropriations will automatically revert to the 2025 budget.

Congress will amend its legislative calendar to meet the ratification date, Nueva Ecija Rep. and House Appropriations Committee chair Mikaela Angela B. Suansing said, as lawmakers are set to adjourn by next week.

"I’m confident that nothing will be vetoed," Mr. Gatchalian told reporters after the bicameral conference committee discussions on House Bill No. 4085.

Senators and congressmen in the bicameral conference committee resolved differences after six days of debates, broadcast live for the first time, with disagreements over funding for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) threatening to stall proceedings.

"This budget will truly address the needs of our people, and above all, this budget is corruption-free," Mr. Gatchalian told the joint congressional panel. "Most importantly, this budget, I can say, will be the standard for transparency."

The reconciliation of differing allocations between the House and Senate marks the end of their review of the Executive’s budget, submitted in August and reshaped with reforms to restore public trust after a widening multibillion-peso kickback scheme involving anomalous infrastructure deals.

Final allocations for some line items were not immediately available, though Mr. Gatchalian said updates would be posted online for public scrutiny.