Senate passes P6.793-trillion 2026 budget on second reading

Senate leaders are committed to passing the 2026 national budget before the year ends to avoid a reenacted budget.

The Senate approved the proposed P6.793-trillion 2026 national budget on its second reading on December 4.

Senate President Vicente Sotto expressed confidence that the budget bill will be signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. before the year concludes.

He reiterated concerns about the 2025 budget potentially being "the most corrupt" and vowed to prevent a reenacted budget for 2026.

The Senate aims to approve the budget on third reading by December 9, with a bicameral conference committee to follow.