Senate aims to secure Marcos’ approval of 2027 national budget before Christmas

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 14, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Senate PRIB

The Senate is targeting the passage of the proposed ₱7.2-trillion national budget for 2027 in time for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to sign it before the Christmas break, as lawmakers prepare to scrutinize changes introduced by the House of Representatives.

Senate Finance Committee Chairperson JV Ejercito said the chamber intends to complete its review and secure approval of the spending measure before Congress adjourns for the holidays. The Senate received the House-approved General Appropriations Bill on October 13, with copies distributed to senators and concerned offices the following day.

Ejercito said the Senate would not automatically adopt the House version, noting that significant changes had been made to the executive branch’s original spending proposal. Finance subcommittee vice chairpersons have been directed to submit their reports by October 23 as the review gets underway.

Initial findings have raised concerns over reductions in funding for foreign-assisted projects and the calamity fund. Ejercito said the Senate would examine these adjustments, along with allocations for infrastructure, flood mitigation and essential government services.

The House approved the proposed budget on third and final reading on October 12, with 282 lawmakers voting in favor, 13 against and one abstaining. The measure now faces a separate review in the Senate before both chambers reconcile any differences.

The budget process has drawn heightened scrutiny amid concerns over alleged irregularities in public spending and calls for greater transparency in government allocations. Senators have signaled that they will closely examine changes to project funding and require more detailed explanations for lump-sum appropriations.

Congress is scheduled to resume sessions on November 9. The Senate plans to move through its deliberations after the recess, with the goal of approving the budget in December and sending it to Marcos for his signature before the holiday break.

The proposed measure will determine government spending priorities for 2027, including funding for public services, infrastructure, social programs and disaster preparedness.