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.

‍