The ₱6.793 trillion 2026 National Budget was approved in the Senate on second reading on Thursday, December 4, 2025, with only Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Joel Villanueva voting against it.

Cayetano reasoned that a better budget could have been devised by the congress, citing a lack of strong rural development provisions, the retention of large unprogrammed appropriations, and a missed opportunity to implement structural reforms.

“This is such a great opportunity for a game-changer budget—it doesn’t really promote rural development, the unprogrammed funds are still there… But we commit to work with the majority especially in the Bicam. It’s a good budget, don’t get me wrong, I acknowledge the work of everyone. I’m just saying I think we can come up with something that really changes the game for the Filipino people,” Cayetano said.

According to reports, the third reading will be done by December 9.

The House of Representatives approved the national budget, which prioritized education, health, and agriculture, on the third and final reading on October 14.

House Speaker Faustino Dy III assured that the lower chamber upheld transparency and honesty throughout their deliberations.

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