Jasha Gamao

QUEZON CITY—Congress and the Senate of the Philippines have officially ratified the 2026 General Appropriations Bill, incorporating a strict special provision designed to eliminate "epal" politics. 

This measure explicitly prohibits politicians from interfering in or controlling the distribution of government financial assistance and other aid programs. The move aims to ensure that public funds reach those in need without being used as tools for political credit or grandstanding.

House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Mikael Suansing confirmed that the responsibility for drafting and enforcing the specific guidelines now rests with the executive branch. 

Once President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signs the national budget into law, executive agencies will have full authority over the implementation of major social programs. These include the Department of Health’s medical assistance for indigent patients (MAIP), the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), and the Labor Department’s TUPAD program.

Regarding the common practice of lawmakers issuing Guarantee Letters (GL) for medical and financial aid, Suansing stated that the executive branch would determine the future of this process. A Guarantee Letter serves as an official government commitment to pay service providers for medicines and medical services rendered to qualified clients. 

By delegating these rules to the agencies, the legislature is shifting toward a more technocratic and less political distribution of taxpayer-funded relief.

‍

The Philippines has solidified its reputation as a Southeast Asian powerhouse in global sports, finishing with one of the highest "Olympic alignment" rates at the 2025 SEA Games. 

While the overall medal tally placed the nation sixth, a deeper analysis reveals that an impressive 70.30% of Team PH’s gold medals were earned in Olympic-relevant sports. 

This performance puts the Philippines in a virtual dead heat with Singapore (70.60%) for the top spot, significantly outpacing regional rivals like Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

This strategic success highlights the country’s growing depth across a diverse range of disciplines. Filipino athletes secured pivotal victories in traditional Olympic mainstays such as athletics, swimming, and gymnastics, while also claiming breakthrough golds in women’s football, baseball, and tennis. 

Despite navigating tight restrictions in certain flagship events like boxing, the delegation proved its versatility by delivering podium finishes in weightlifting, rowing, taekwondo, and skateboarding—all sports that are central to the Olympic program.

The data underscores a deliberate shift toward world-class readiness rather than just regional volume. By excelling in events that translate directly to the international stage, the Philippines is effectively building a sustainable pipeline for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. 

This high percentage of Olympic-aligned gold medals serves as a clear indicator that Filipino athletes are no longer just competing for regional pride but are actively preparing to challenge the world's best on the greatest stage in sports.

‍

QUEZON CITY—House Committee on Public Accounts Chairperson and Bicol Party-list Representative Terry Ridon warned that Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Legarda-Leviste could face an ethics complaint following allegations of illegally obtaining the "Cabral Files." 

These records, belonging to late Public Works and Highways Secretary Catalina Cabral, were reportedly copied and distributed by Leviste. 

Ridon emphasized that Leviste must be held accountable and investigated to determine how he accessed the documents and whether he truly had the authority he claimed to possess.

The controversy intensified after DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon twice issued a flat denial regarding Leviste’s claims of authorization. 

"Si Secretary Dizon na po mismo ang nagsabi, twice or thrice, flatly denying giving any authority to Congressman Leviste.” Ridon noted. 

["Secretary Dizon himself said it, twice or thrice, flatly denying giving any authority to Congressman Leviste."]

While the contents of the files remain a separate issue to be addressed, the House leadership is currently focused on the potential breach of protocol and misrepresentation of authority by a sitting member according to the Bicol Saro Representative.

“Mahalaga rin po sa Kamara yung pamamaraan kung paano nakuha itong mga files na ito.” Congressman Ridon added.

["The House also places great importance on the method by which these files were obtained."]

For now, the chamber awaits formal action from relevant bodies to determine if a full-scale ethics investigation is warranted based on the evidence of how the sensitive DPWH records were handled.

‍

Vice President Sara Duterte issued a bold call for national renewal and courage as she rallied Filipinos to welcome 2026 with unwavering determination. 

In a video message released on the last day of 2025, the Vice President urged the public to discard the anxieties of the past year and embrace the upcoming chapter as a fresh start for the country.

Duterte emphasized that the inherent resilience of the Filipino spirit remains the primary tool for overcoming the socio-economic hurdles that lie ahead.  

The Vice President highlighted the importance of unity and faith as the bedrock for genuine progress in the coming year. 

“Sa pagsalubong natin sa 2026, iwaksi na natin ang anumang pag-aalinlangan at takot. Ngayon ang simula ng isang panibagong kabanata, isang malinis na pahina na punung-puno ng pag-asa,” Duterte stated. 

["As we usher in the year 2026, let us renounce any hesitation and fear. Now begins a fresh chapter, a clean slate brimming with hope."]

She challenged the citizens to transform their trials into fuel for national strength, concluding with a message of hope: 

“Ang ating pinagsamang lakas at pananampalataya ang susi ng tunay na pagbabago. Maligayang Bagong Taon sa inyong lahat!”

["Our united strength and faith serve as the key to meaningful change. A Happy New Year to everyone!"]

‍

PASAY CITY—The Bicameral Conference Committee officially signed the reconciled version of the ₱6.793-trillion General Appropriations Bill (GAB) for 2026 on Sunday, December 28 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). 

Lawmakers from both chambers signed off on House Bill No. 4058 after weeks of intensive deliberations. This final version aligns the differing provisions of the House and Senate proposals, clearing the path for the budget’s enactment before the new fiscal year begins.

The approved spending plan resulted from a four-day marathon of meetings held between December 13 to 18. Senate Finance Committee Chairperson Sen. Sherwing Gatchalian, who led the Senate contingent, characterized the 2026 budget as the "most transparent in recent memory." 

“Dahil nga po maraming adjustments ang ginawa para po maging mas transparent, mas klaro, mas naintindihan po ng taumbayan yung pagbabalangkas po nv ating pambansang budget.” Sanator Gatchalian emphasized on his opening statement.

["Because many adjustments were made to ensure greater transparency and clarity, the public now has a better understanding of how our national budget is formulated."]

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations and Nueva Ecija 1st District Representative Mikaela Angela Suansing promised the public that the bicam exhausted all their efforts to formulate a transparent and accountable 2026 national budget.

“Ang amin pong masasabi sa ating kababayan, ito pong budget na ito ay talagang pinaghirapan na buohin ng kongreso at ng senado at ginawa po namin ang lahat para ito po ay maging transparent, accountable, siguraduhin po na ito ay tunay na tumutugon sa pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan.” Congressman Suansing said. 

["What we can say to our fellow citizens is that this budget was truly a result of the hard work of both the Congress and the Senate. We have done everything to ensure it is transparent and accountable, and to guarantee that it truly responds to the needs of our people."]

The negotiations focused on reconciling funding gaps and ensuring that departmental allocations met the administration's key developmental priorities for the upcoming year.

With the Bicameral report now sealed, the bill will be transmitted to the President's desk for his signature, ensuring the government operates under a fresh mandate by 2026.

‍