The House of Representatives on Monday opened deliberations on the proposed 2026 national budget of P6.793-trillion—the largest in Philippine history—with a firm commitment to transparency, reforms, and a people-centered spending plan.
House Appropriations Committee Chair Rep. Mika Suansing (Nueva Ecija, 1st District) led the initial briefing with the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC), composed of economic managers and advisers from key government agencies.
“We envision a budget centered on the Filipino—both in terms of expenditure priorities and the budget process itself,” Suansing said.
She emphasized that the 2026 budget would prioritize human capital development, including quality education, healthcare, and upskilling the workforce. The goal, she added, is to translate the record-high budget into “visible, tangible improvements” in everyday life—such as better classrooms, healthcare services, job opportunities, and farm-to-market roads.
In a significant move, Suansing announced sweeping reforms to the budget process. These include the abolition of the “small committee”, opening bicameral conference proceedings to the public, and institutionalizing civil society participation.
“We hear our people’s call for a more open, participatory process,” she said. “Each peso comes from the blood and sweat of Filipinos. It is only right that they have a say in how it is spent.” Suansing called on her colleagues to rise to the challenge: “We are at a critical juncture. The decisions we make in the coming months will shape not just public trust—but our nation’s future.”
The House will continue its budget scrutiny in coordination with the Executive branch over the next several months.
