Senate Vows No Insertions in 2026 National Budget
Senate finance panel chair Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian has firmly guaranteed that there will be no insertions in the 2026 national budget, especially regarding Charter change (Cha-cha) and the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP). This assurance came after the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) submitted the 2026 National Expenditure Program to the Senate.
“I will not allow any insertions, especially during the bicam. The bicam will be limited to disagreeing provisions — if we do not disagree before that, we will not allow it,” Gatchalian emphasized in Filipino during an ambush interview. Local leaders reported his firm stance against sudden budget amendments that were not part of prior discussions.
Strict Rules on Budget Amendments
The senator warned that allowing insertions might set off a chain reaction, negatively impacting the funding allocated to various government agencies. “Including Cha-cha, because we never discussed that in any hearing or any forum. As a principle, regardless of what budget it is — whether Cha-cha, people’s initiative, or AKAP — as long as there is no detailed plan and it was not a proposal from the executive, we cannot allow it to suddenly be inserted in the bicam,” he added.
Officials reported that this strict policy aims to maintain transparency and discipline in budget deliberations, ensuring that all proposals undergo proper scrutiny before approval.
Overview of the 2026 National Budget
The proposed 2026 budget totals ₱6.793 trillion, with education receiving the largest allocation at ₱1.2 trillion. Public works follows at ₱881.3 billion, and health is allocated ₱320.5 billion. Community members noted that these allocations align with the government’s commitment under Article XIV, Section 5 of the 1987 Constitution, which mandates the highest budgetary priority for education.
This constitutional provision also requires that teaching attract and retain top talents through adequate pay and job satisfaction initiatives.
Previous Challenges to Budget Provisions
In 2024, various groups and individuals challenged sections of the 2025 national budget law, including the funding for the AKAP program. Petitioners also questioned allocations related to public works and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Sources said these challenges highlight ongoing concerns about budget transparency and priorities.
Looking Ahead
With the 2026 budget now under Senate review, officials remain vigilant to prevent unauthorized insertions, ensuring that the budget reflects only thoroughly vetted proposals. This approach aims to safeguard fiscal responsibility and maintain public trust in the government’s budgeting process.
For more news and updates on the 2026 national budget, visit Filipinokami.com.
