Special session for province budget set

With the Cebu provincial government's proposed P11.9-billion annual budget for 2026 still awaiting approval, Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco confirmed that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) is set to hold a special session on Wednesday, January 7, to take up the measure for third and final reading.

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In a phone interview, Soco said the special session is being scheduled ahead of the SP's regular resumption later this month.

"As per our legislative calendar, our regular session is still on January 19, 2026. Mao g'yud na siyay regular legislative calendar sa SP even when I was a board member," Soco said.

"It resumes after the Sinulog festivities — that has been our tradition," he added.

Despite this, Soco said the board is now leaning toward holding a January 7 special session to address the proposed annual budget, which remains pending final approval.

He explained that the delay is partly procedural, as the appropriation ordinance must first be formally submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through the SP secretary before legislators can act on it.