The House of Representatives has approved the proposed ₱6.793-trillion national budget for 2026, giving top priority to education, health, and agriculture, as reported by RH Milky Rigonan.

House Bill No. 4058, or the 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB), amounts to 4.1% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The measure was passed on third and final reading after extensive deliberations in the plenary.

House Speaker Faustino Dy III said the chamber ensured that the national budget was discussed with transparency and honesty.

“Binigyan natin ng pinakamalaking pondo ang sektor ng edukasyon, na mahigit ₱1.281 trillion,” Dy said.

Even after its approval at the House level, Dy urged the public to continue monitoring the use of national funds, noting that the proposed budget will still undergo further deliberations.

Amid criticisms directed at Congress following the flood control scam controversy, Dy said the issue served as a challenge for lawmakers to perform their duties faithfully.

“Maaaring hindi perpekto ang ating budget ngunit ito ay malinaw na simula ng bagong hamon sa ating paglilingkod.”

“Ang pera ng taong bayan ay para sa taong bayan. Kailangan natin siguraduhin na ang pondong ito na ginagamit ay tapat, may malasakit at ipinagkakatiwala sa kamay ng may pananagutan,” he added.

Once ratified by both chambers of Congress, the 2026 national budget will be transmitted to Malacañang for the President’s signature before the end of the year.