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By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio, journalist
The House of Representatives on Friday sanctioned on second reading the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026, enhancing funding for education, health, and agriculture in an effort to fortify human capital development.
Lawmakers endorsed the unprecedented spending bill through a voice vote, which included increased budgets for the Education, Health, and Agriculture departments — financing that was initially earmarked for the Public Works department but subsequently withdrawn due to corruption apprehensions.
“I perceive this as a welcome departure from those contentious initiatives,” Deputy Speaker and Antipolo Representative Ronaldo V. Puno stated to BusinessWorld during an interview preceding the spending proposal’s endorsement. “That represents a favorable transition from this year’s budget.”
“We successfully designated the requisite budget for the establishment of new hospitals and financial assistance programs aimed at livelihoods,” he added.
Legislators approved the spending proposal following 58 days of committee and plenary sessions, a duration extended by intensified examination amidst a burgeoning flood-control scandal in a nation susceptible to inundations.
Final sanction is scheduled for Oct. 13.
Lawmakers endorsed a substitute bill showcasing the proposed modifications finalized by a designated committee of officials, permitting the chamber to efficiently incorporate the amendments into House Bill No. 4058, the budget bill, without consuming excessive time.
The House sub-committee on Budget Amendments Review advocated increases in the Education department’s budget for new classrooms by P35 billion to P63.05 billion.
Additionally, legislators incorporated P3.2 billion for the Health department’s establishment of clinics and public health facilities.
The subpanel retained the P60-billion subsidy for the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) in its final budget alterations, but officials introduced a stipulation necessitating the state health insurer to reveal how the funds are allocated and utilized no later than June 30, 2026.
Lawmakers raised the Department of Agriculture’s funding for farm-to-market road projects by 86% to P16.78 billion. They also boosted financial aid for farmers to P10 billion from P7 billion.
Minority lawmakers recommended several modifications to the spending proposal, including increases to social welfare financing and revisions to unprogrammed appropriations, but only the reduction in the Office of the Vice-President’s budget was accepted.
The House embraced a proposal by Deputy Minority Leader and Party-list Representative Leila M. de Lima to slash Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s budget to P733.2 million from P902 million, mirroring a cut implemented during last year’s discussions.
The House minority bloc previously indicated their intent to diminish the allocation following Ms. Duterte’s absence during plenary discussions on her office’s budget.
“The Vice-President has repeatedly shown us disrespect,” Ms. de Lima stated on the floor. “This budget cut is rooted in discipline, not derision.”
The Office of the Vice-President did not promptly respond to an email requesting comment.
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