(Manila, 4th) Both houses of the Philippine Congress have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the smooth passage of the 2026 national budget before the end of the year, despite errors and issues of duplicate appropriations arising during the budget review process and causing controversy.
House spokesperson Abante stated on Wednesday that even though some lawmakers have asked the Department of Budget and Management to re-examine the National Expenditure Program, the process of budget deliberations continues to ensure that undisputed items can be dealt with at once.
“The Budget Committee remains confident that it can complete the work according to schedule and push for the passage of the General Appropriations Bill,” she pointed out, adding that House party leaders are even willing to work overtime to guarantee the budget's approval within the deadline.
Abante clarified that the so-called ‘return of the National Expenditure Program’ does not mean literally handing back the documents, but is rather a request for the Department of Budget and Management and related agencies to make corrections at the source, so Congress will not be accused of ‘inserting items into the budget’ again. She emphasized that errors in the budget proposal must be corrected first before Congress can fulfill its constitutional duty of review.
Meanwhile, Senate Finance Committee Chairperson Gatchalian stated on Thursday that the Senate would move forward with scheduled budget briefings to avoid delays. “Approving the 2026 budget remains the Senate’s top priority. We hope to pass a reliable national budget to drive sustained economic growth.”
Previously, House Deputy Speaker Puno raised concerns about duplicate appropriations and questionable items in some departmental budgets, especially flood control projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways. In response, President Marcos has ordered a comprehensive review. Budget Secretary Pangandaman and new Public Works Secretary Dizon have promised to complete their review within two weeks and submit a list of corrections to Congress.
“The Budget Committee remains confident that it can complete the work according to schedule and push for the passage of the General Appropriations Bill,” she pointed out, adding that House party leaders are even willing to work overtime to guarantee the budget's approval within the deadline.
Abante clarified that the so-called ‘return of the National Expenditure Program’ does not mean literally handing back the documents, but is rather a request for the Department of Budget and Management and related agencies to make corrections at the source, so Congress will not be accused of ‘inserting items into the budget’ again. She emphasized that errors in the budget proposal must be corrected first before Congress can fulfill its constitutional duty of review.
Meanwhile, Senate Finance Committee Chairperson Gatchalian stated on Thursday that the Senate would move forward with scheduled budget briefings to avoid delays. “Approving the 2026 budget remains the Senate’s top priority. We hope to pass a reliable national budget to drive sustained economic growth.”
Previously, House Deputy Speaker Puno raised concerns about duplicate appropriations and questionable items in some departmental budgets, especially flood control projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways. In response, President Marcos has ordered a comprehensive review. Budget Secretary Pangandaman and new Public Works Secretary Dizon have promised to complete their review within two weeks and submit a list of corrections to Congress.