MANILA — The Senate approved on third and final reading the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), a P6.7-trillion spending plan that Finance Committee Chairperson Sen. Win Gatchalian described as “people-centered” and anchored on transparency and accountability.

Gatchalian said the Senate version heavily invests in the education sector, which received a total allocation of P1.37 trillion, equivalent to 4.5% of the country’s gross domestic product. He said the budget also strengthens the Department of Health’s Zero Balance Billing program to expand free medical services for patients in DOH-run hospitals.

To boost disaster preparedness, the chamber increased the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund by P15.33 billion to hasten community recovery, shelter provision, and restoration of critical services in calamity-hit areas.

Citing issues over “ghost” and substandard flood control projects, senators also slashed P54.2 billion from the Department of Public Works and Highways’ budget. Infrastructure projects must now include station numbers and specific coordinates as additional safeguards against corruption.

Senators explain votes

Several senators delivered their explanations of vote following the budget’s approval.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who voted yes, thanked Gatchalian for leading a more transparent budget process and backing limits on the use of unprogrammed appropriations, including the removal of P55 billion from the fund. She cited approved amendments such as an additional P3 billion for state universities and colleges, increased support for the DOJ’s campaign against online sexual abuse of children, revisions to the PUV Modernization Program’s provisions, more funding for the Department of Migrant Workers’ provincial help desks, and resources to strengthen the Commission on Audit’s pre-audit mechanisms.

Hontiveros, however, expressed disappointment over the failure to approve additional funding or debt payments for PhilHealth, saying the national government still owes P53 billion in premium subsidies for indirect contributors. She also lamented the lack of dedicated funding for Sierra Madre protection efforts.

Sen. Rodante Marcoleta also voted yes, highlighting the approval of several of his proposed amendments. These include increased funding for the High Value Crops Development Program, a P500-million drainage improvement project along Marcos Highway covering Pasig, Marikina, and Cainta, and a reduction in allocations for the Balog-Balog Multipurpose Project Phase II to align the budget with the project’s actual progress. He said the amendments provide direct benefits to farmers and communities frequently affected by flooding.

Sen. Pia Cayetano supported the measure “with reservation,” raising concerns over what she called persistent failures to deliver earmarked funds to PhilHealth. She noted a P16.52-billion shortfall in the 2025 allocation despite certifications from the Bureau of Internal Revenue that the amount was available. Cayetano also flagged the non-remittance of P106.95 billion in PhilHealth shares from PAGCOR and PCSO between 2019 and 2025, despite the amounts appearing in previous GAAs.

Calling the non-release a “violation of law,” Cayetano urged senators to pursue the matter in the bicameral conference committee and emphasized the importance of sufficient funding to fulfill the administration’s Zero Balance Billing commitment.

The proposed 2026 national budget will next undergo bicameral deliberations before being sent to Malacañang for the President’s signature.