The Senate has given its final approval to the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act, with Finance Committee Chairperson Senator Win Gatchalian saying that it is a people-centered budget that champions transparency and accountability.  

The Senate’s approved version is essentially an education budget, with a total allotment for the sector of P1.37 trillion, accounting for 4.5% of the country’s GDP.  

Gatchalian said some of the highlights include the strengthening of the government’s Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) program for DOH-run hospitals. “Sa sektor ng kalusugan, malinaw ang layunin: mas maraming medikal na serbisyong libre ang maibigay sa bawat Pilipino, at mabawasan ang gastos ng bawat pasyente,” the senator emphasized.

He also highlighted the strengthening of disaster recovery in communities. The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Fund has been increased significantly by P15.33 billion to accelerate recovery efforts, provide shelter, and restore vital services in disaster-stricken areas.  

Following controversies over ghost and substandard flood control projects, the Senate also reduced the DPWH’s budget by P54.2 billion, based on recalibrated costing following the President’s directive to drive down the cost of construction materials.

Noting that the reforms instituted in the budgeting process are a powerful deterrent against corruption and the misuse of public funds, Gatchalian said that all infrastructure projects must now have station numbers and specific coordinates as an added safeguard against ghost and anomalous projects.