House ratifies P6.7T 2026 national budget

The House of Representatives has ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the proposed P6.7-trillion 2026 national budget on Monday, December 29, despite objections from lawmakers who warn the spending plan remains riddled with “pork barrel” allocations in the form of unprogrammed appropriations.

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The House of Representatives' plenary hall where members of Congress ratified yesterday the bicameral committee report on the proposed P6.7-trillion budget for 2026.

(Philstar.com)

The Senate was also expected to ratify the report later in the afternoon on Monday.

Once both chambers approve, the enrolled bill will be transmitted to Malacañang, where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to sign it on January 5.

At least two lawmakers publicly shared their reasons for saying no to the bicam report during Monday’s ratification, which saw lawmakers expressing their support or objection through a voice vote or viva voce.

The ratification comes after weeks of deadlock that forced Congress to extend its session calendar. The bicam proceedings were repeatedly suspended over disputes on the Department of Public Works and Highways budget, with the Senate and House at odds over roughly P45 billion in cuts based on alleged overpricing in the agency’s construction materials price data.