House approves P6.793T national budget on second reading

The House of Representatives approved the proposed P6.793 trillion national budget for 2026 on its second reading.

An amendment reduced the Office of the Vice President's (OVP) 2026 budget from P889.24 million to P733.2 million, aligning it with its 2025 allocation.

Mamamayang Liberal Partylist Representative Leila de Lima proposed the budget cut, citing Vice President Sara Duterte's refusal to personally defend the OVP's budget before Congress.

De Lima stated that the reduction is "discipline, not demolition," and emphasized it was about accountability, not political retaliation.

House appropriations chairperson Mikaela Suansing defended the cuts, stating the reduced amount is sufficient for the OVP's mandate and that personnel salaries will be protected.

Lawmakers also realigned P255 billion from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget to social programs, with the education sector receiving P56 billion.

The education sector's P56 billion is redistributed to the Philippine Science High School System, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and State Universities and Colleges.

However, a proposal by Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno to slash P243.2 billion in unprogrammed appropriations was rejected.