MANILA, Philippines– The House of Representatives approved a P6.79-trillion national budget for 2026 on the third and final reading on Oct. 13.
The approved budget maintains hundreds of billions in unprogrammed appropriations, despite the Senate’s commitment to eliminate these allocations when the proposal is reviewed in their chamber.
The House’s decision follows a vote where the majority of lawmakers supported the budget plan. The Senate has expressed concerns about the unprogrammed appropriations, which they aim to amend.
The approved budget for 2026 is the largest in Philippine history, surpassing the current P6.326-trillion budget for 2025. The legislative process will continue as the Senate prepares to conduct its assessment and propose amendments to the budget.
