House of Representatives Approves P6.793 Trillion Budget for 2026 Amid Criticism

Strategic Insights -

The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading the proposed P6.793-trillion General Appropriations Bill (GAB) for fiscal year 2026. Proponents described the budget as transparent, clean, and sufficient to ensure fiscal stability, while other lawmakers denounced it as a continuation of the 'corrupt pork barrel system' and unprogrammed funds. With 287 votes in favor, 12 against, and 2 abstentions, lawmakers passed House Bill 4058, which will fund key government programs and projects aimed at sustaining economic growth, improving public services, and addressing inflationary and climate-related challenges. The 2026 GAB now heads to the Senate for deliberation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed P6.793-trillion budget for 2026 will fund key government programs and projects, including infrastructure development, education, health, and social protection.
  • The budget allocates P1.28 trillion for education, exceeding the 4 percent of GDP benchmark for the first time, and P411.2 billion for health.
  • Unprogrammed appropriations amount to P243 billion, which lawmakers have criticized as a major source of funds for ghost and overpriced projects.
  • The budget also includes P415 billion in 'legislative pork,' coursed mainly through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other agencies.
  • The DPWH's district offices will distribute P174.6 billion as 'allocables,' roughly P230 million per congressional district and P3.2 billion per senator.
  • Rep. Leandro Leviste voted against the budget, citing ongoing corruption risks within the DPWH, and urged the House to reduce DPWH project costs by 25 percent to potentially cut P150 billion in possible kickbacks.
  • Rep. Edgar R. Erice criticizes unprogrammed funds as unconstitutional and misleading to the public, suggesting that they lack a definite source of financing.
  • House Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Leila M. de Lima also voted against the 2026 budget, citing constitutional and accountability concerns regarding Unprogrammed Appropriations.

Statistics:

  • The 2026 GAB allocates P1.28 trillion for education, exceeding the 4 percent of GDP benchmark for the first time.
  • The total health sector budget will reach P411.2 billion.
  • Unprogrammed appropriations amount to P243 billion.
  • The DPWH will distribute P174.6 billion as 'allocables,' roughly P230 million per congressional district and P3.2 billion per senator.
  • The budget includes P415 billion in 'legislative pork.'

Sources:

  • "House OKs P6.793 trillion budget for 2026". Philippine Daily Inquirer, October 2023.
  • "Lawmakers approve P6.793 trillion budget for 2026". BusinessWorld, October 2023.
  • "House of Representatives approves P6.793 trillion budget for 2026". CNN Philippines, October 2023.
  • "Budget debates expose deep divisions in House". Philippine Daily Inquirer, October 2023.
  • "House Minority Leaders approve no vote on 2026 Budget". House of Representatives, October 2023.
  • "Statement on the 2026 Budget". Makabayan Bloc, October 2023.
  • "Letter to Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives". Akbayan Reform Bloc, October 2023.