Philippine Senate Approves Controversial â±6.793-Trillion 2026 Budget Amid Corruption Fears
The Philippine Senate has ratified the P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026, despite strong opposition from several lawmakers. Critics, including representatives from Davao, warned of corruption risks and questioned drastic funding cuts to key infrastructure projects. The budget now awaits President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.âs signature on January 5, 2026.
The ratified budget prioritises human development, with major allocations for education, healthcare, and agriculture. However, concerns over transparency and executive influence dominated debates. Three senators refused to sign the bicameral report, while two minority senators voted against ratification.
Representative Isidro Ungab raised alarms over a 75% reduction in the Department of Public Works and Highwaysâ (DPWH) Foreign-Assisted Projects (FAPs) budget. He argued that this cut could delay critical infrastructure and criticised the persistent use of P243.4 billion in Unprogrammed Appropriations, which diverts funds from planned projects. Paolo 'Pulong' Duterte, Davao Cityâs First District Representative, opposed the budget, citing unresolved corruption in the 2025 allocations and a lack of accountability. Harold Duterte of the Puwersa ng Pilipinong Pandagat (PPP) Party-list called 2025 'a year of shocks and revelations,' warning that corruption risks in the 2026 budget remain unaddressed. Opposition lawmakers also accused the executive branch of interfering in bicameral deliberations. Despite these objections, the budget moved forward, with its final version now set for presidential approval.
The 2026 budget will take effect once signed by President Marcos Jr. on January 5. Critics continue to push for greater transparency and accountability in spending. The cuts to foreign-assisted infrastructure and reliance on unprogrammed funds remain key points of contention.
