House Speaker Commits to Transparent 2026 Budget Discussions
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has pledged to ensure more transparent and stringent deliberations on the proposed P6.793 trillion budget for 2026. Emphasizing accountability, he said the 2026 budget discussions will prioritize that every peso counts and directly benefits Filipino families.
In his remarks during the turnover of the 2026 National Expenditures Program (NEP) by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the House Speaker outlined five key reforms to guide this year’s budget process.
Five Key Reforms to Strengthen Budget Process
- Elimination of the small committee that reviews the budget after bill approval
- Opening bicameral conference committee hearings to public viewing
- Inviting civil society organizations to carefully scrutinize the budget
- Enhancing House oversight functions
- Prioritizing investments in agriculture, infrastructure, education, health, defense, and disaster preparedness
Some of these reforms, particularly the first three, have been mentioned previously by Romualdez and House Appropriations Committee Chair Rep. Mikaela Suansing.
“A budget is not just a spending plan—it is a mirror of our priorities and a measure of our accountability to the people. And because this is the people’s money, the process of crafting it must be transparent, inclusive, and worthy of public trust,” Romualdez emphasized.
He added, “That is why, beginning this year, the House will implement important reforms.” Community members noted that these steps aim to restore public confidence in government spending.
Ensuring Every Peso Benefits Filipino Families
Romualdez further stressed that the House will make sure every peso in the budget delivers tangible benefits. “Bawat piso, may pinaglalaanan; bawat gastusin, dapat may pakinabang sa tao,” he said.
He described the NEP turnover as more than a formality. “Today’s (Aug. 13) turnover of the 2026 NEP from the DBM is not just a formality. It is the first step in shaping how our government will serve the Filipino people in the year ahead,” officials reported.
He also painted a vivid picture of the government’s vision: “[The NEP] is the government’s plan to make the vision of a Bagong Pilipinas real—roads that connect communities, markets where food is affordable, schools that open doors to opportunity, hospitals that save lives, and safe, secure communities for every Filipino.”
Budget Allocation Highlights
According to a DBM briefing, the largest portion of the proposed 2026 budget will be allocated to education with P928.5 billion, followed by public works at P881.3 billion, and health at P320.5 billion.
Additional significant allocations include:
- Defense: P299.3 billion
- Interior and Local Government: P287.5 billion
- Agriculture: P239.2 billion
- Social Welfare: P277.0 billion
- Transportation: P198.6 billion
- Judiciary: P67.9 billion
- Labor and Employment: P55.2 billion
In a broader perspective, social services receive the largest share at P2.314 trillion, followed by economic services at P1.868 trillion, general public services at P1.202 trillion, debt burden at P978.7 billion, and defense at P430.9 billion.
Education notably gains the most, with its budget increasing to P1.2 trillion. If approved as proposed, this would meet the United Nations’ recommended allocation of 4-6 percent of the country’s GDP for education, according to local leaders.
Careful Planning and Legislative Process
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman explained that the 2026 NEP was carefully crafted to address the country’s pressing needs. The executive branch must submit its expenditures program to the legislature within 30 days of each regular session’s opening.
The House Appropriations Committee will then review the proposed budgets per department and prepare a committee report containing the General Appropriations Bill (GAB). The GAB undergoes plenary discussions where amendments may be proposed. Once approved on third reading, it proceeds to the Senate for deliberation.
Heightened Scrutiny Amid Past Budget Concerns
However, the budget process faces increased scrutiny following controversies related to the 2025 General Appropriations Act. Officials reported issues such as alleged blank items in the bicameral conference report and last-minute insertions favoring flood control projects.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., during his fourth State of the Nation Address, condemned government officials and contractors accused of profiting from flood control projects. He warned legislators that he would not approve any budget misaligned with the administration’s programs, even if it means a reenacted budget.
Meanwhile, Senator Panfilo Lacson raised concerns that nearly half of the P2 trillion allocated to flood control projects since 2011 may have been lost due to corruption, sparking calls for greater transparency.
For more news and updates on the 2026 budget discussions, visit Filipinokami.com.
