Jasha Gamao

The Senate of the Philippines intensified its scrutiny of the ₱6.792-trillion proposed 2026 national budget on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, with senators zeroing in on transparency and accountability in government spending. 

The third day of plenary debates on House Bill No. 4058, the 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB), saw lawmakers challenging the appropriations of several key agencies, determined to ensure public funds are utilized effectively for national development.

Discussions were sharp and focused, revolving around critical concerns such as the proper planning and monitoring of infrastructure projects, enhancing the nation's climate adaptation and disaster response capabilities, and preventing the misuse of funds. 

The upper chamber's firm stance reflects a commitment to rebuild public trust by demanding meticulous detail and justification for every centavo allocated in the massive spending plan. Senators emphasized that the budget is a reflection of national aspirations and must be guarded against waste and corruption.

The plenary successfully concluded interpellations on the budgets of eight major government agencies. These included the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), Department of Finance (DOF), and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the core agencies responsible for the government's fiscal policy.

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The religious group Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) held a National Rally for Peace and Transparency in Manila City from November 16 to 17, 2025. The event serves as a demonstration urging national unity and accountability from government leaders in light of current controversies of corruption and anomalies in government projects.

A highlight of the rally was the fiery speech delivered by Senator Rodante Marcoleta, whose remarks launched a sharp critique against the perceived lack of transparency in the ongoing investigation into alleged corruption involving anomalous "ghost flood control projects."

In his speech, Marcoleta specifically called out the investigation's handling of critical witnesses. He publicly questioned the decision, which he attributed to former Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, to allegedly prevent the Discaya couple from becoming state witnesses. 

According to Marcoleta, the couple was ready to fully disclose their knowledge about those involved in the widespread plunder of public funds.

“Ngunit dahil ayaw po nila, natatakot sila na baka sakaling magsalita pa ang mga Discaya, hanggang ngayon ay hindi nila pinapayagan ang proseso para sila ay makapag-apply (Witness Protection Program) the former Chairman of Senate Blue Ribbon said.

Furthermore, the neophyte senator highlighted the crucial testimony of a witness he described as the "most credible witness ever produced by the Blue Ribbon Committee," Orly Guteza. Marcoleta pointed out that Guteza is the only person who has named former House Speaker Martin Romualdez as the alleged mastermind behind the massive corruption scheme, which was reportedly carried out through unauthorized budget insertions. 

“Siya lamang po ang tumukoy at kumunekta sa pagitan ni Zaldy Co at dating Speaker Martin Romualdez. Wala na pong iba!” Marcoleta strongly pointed out.

Senator Marcoleta concluded his segment with an impassioned plea for a fundamental change in the investigation's approach. He demanded an inquiry that is open, acceptable, and truthful. His demand underscores that genuine democracy relies on transparency and accountability from all branches of government.

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Presidential sister and Senator Imee Marcos on Monday alleged that her brother, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr., is a drug user. Speaking before a crowd at a religious group’s rally held at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, the senator made the explosive claim, asserting the matter is serious and known within the Marcos family.

The senator’s claims did not stop with the president. She broadened her allegations to include the First Lady, Liza Araneta-Marcos, and some of the President's close associates, all of whom she claimed were also involved in illegal drug use. 

Senator Marcos stated, confirming her belief and asserting family awareness of the president's alleged habit:

"Batid ko na na nagda-drugs siya [President Marcos]. Nalaman ko at ng pamilya, nalaman ng pamilya, seryoso ito,"

Furthermore, the presidential sister intensified her accusations by claiming that the president’s drug use worsened due to the alleged involvement of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. She also targeted the next generation of the family, explicitly naming the president's children, including Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos, as users of illegal drugs.

Meanwhile, the Palace through Presidential Communications Office Spokesperson Undersecretary Claire Castro, called it a desperate move on the part of the senator to malign the public.

“This is definitely a desperate move. Ang pinag-uusapan sa peaceful rally ay diumanong korapsyon. Ano ang dahilan ni Senator Imee para ang sarili niyang kapatid ay siraan niya? ” Castro asked.

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Chess Grandmaster Rogelio Antonio Jr. seized the gold medal in the Blitz 50 and Above category in the recently concluded 33rd Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) World Senior Chess Championships in Gallipoli, Italy which happened from October 20 through November 2, 2025. Antonio Jr. outplayed international competitors, solidifying his legendary status.

FIDE Master Mario Mangubat matched this outstanding performance, clinching the silver medal in the same Blitz competition. This incredible 1-2 finish for the Philippines establishes Filipino veterans as dominant forces on the global stage.

In the Standard event, GM Antonio Jr. maintained his strong presence, finishing 14th overall. This campaign proves the endurance and world-class skill of the Filipino woodpushers.

Their success in Italy delivers a powerful moment of national pride. Celebrate the golden victory and the silver podium finish—these masters conquered the world.

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The Senate of the Philippines on Wednesday opened plenary deliberations on the P6.793 trillion 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB), presenting it as a move toward what lawmakers called a “golden age of transparency.”

Senators are pushing a budget that demands accountability, vowing every peso spent will improve Filipino lives. The massive spending plan prioritizes well-thought-out allocations, moving away from wasteful spending and signaling a direct focus on tangible results and fiscal clarity.

The budget makes a powerful statement by aggressively prioritizing human capital and defense. The Education Sector receives a historic high of P1.383 trillion, the largest allocation ever, pouring funds directly into the Department of Education, State Universities and Colleges, CHED, and TESDA. Crucial social services are also heavily funded: the Department of Health (DOH) secures P376.5 billion to fully implement Universal Health Care, and the DSWD gets P230 billion for vital social safety nets.

Major agencies received substantial budget clearances, including the Department of National Defense (P385.97 billion), the Department of Transportation (P189.298 billion), and the Department of Agriculture (P184 billion). 

However, this wave of spending was met with a decisive counter-action by the Senate Finance committee, demonstrating its newly adopted vigilance and commitment to oversight.

This position was demonstrated in the senate’s decision to cut P55.9 billion from the proposed budget of DPWH.  Citing "red flags" discovered during budget briefings, the chamber approved only P568.56 billion for the infrastructure agency. The reduction was described as a clear message that questionable allocations will not be tolerated. Senators said the action reflects the chamber’s intent to ensure that the 2026 budget upholds strict standards of transparency and responsible governance.

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