MANILA – The bicameral conference committee has finalized and ratified the P6.793-trillion General Appropriations Bill (GAB) for 2026, paving the way for transmittal to Malacañang for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signature. The reconciliation process concluded on December 29, 2025, with both the Senate and House of Representatives approving the harmonized version—marking the end of a contentious but ultimately productive budget season.
The ratified budget—4.1% higher than the 2025 enacted level of P6.326 trillion—prioritizes education, infrastructure, health, and social services while incorporating safeguards against anomalies highlighted in recent scandals.
Key Features of the 2026 GAB
- Education Dominance: Record allocation of P1.052 trillion (including DepEd, SUCs, CHED)—the largest sectoral share.
- Infrastructure Push: Over P1.5 trillion combined for DPWH and DOTr, with enhanced transparency measures (e.g., geo-tagging, revised CMPD enforcement).
- Health & Social Welfare: Significant boosts, including controversial P51 billion for DOH’s Medical Assistance program (MAIFIP), drawing scrutiny for potential patronage.
- Debt Service: P1.02 trillion.
- Other Priorities: Increased funding for agriculture modernization, defense, and local government shares.
Senate Finance Committee Chair Sherwin Gatchalian and House Appropriations Chair Zaldy Co hailed the bill as “pro-people and pro-growth,” with built-in reforms to prevent repeats of the P20-billion flood control mess.
The GAB now heads to the President, who has until January 5, 2026 (per reports) to sign, allowing time for thorough review. A brief reenactment of the 2025 budget will cover January 1-4 if signing extends beyond December 31.
This timely ratification—avoiding prolonged reenactment—signals legislative efficiency, though debates on certain allocations (e.g., confidential funds, MAIFIP) persist.
2026 Budget Breakdown Snapshot:
| Sector/Program | Allocation (P Trillion) | % Change vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Education | 1.052 | +8.5% |
| Infrastructure | ~1.5 | +6% |
| Health/Social | Significant increases | N/A |
| Total GAB | 6.793 | +4.1% |