Manila: The House of Representatives on Monday ratified via viva voce vote the report of the bicameral conference committee on House Bill (HB) 4058, or the 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB). The move, along with the Senate ratification of the same document, paved the way for the formal transmission of the measure to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his review and approval. Marcos is set to sign the proposed 2026 budget into law in the first week of January 2026.

According to Philippines News Agency, Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III emphasized the significance of passing the GAB as one of the most important duties of the House of Representatives under the Constitution. In a statement, Dy expressed that the passage of the national budget is a weighty yet crucial responsibility entrusted to the House by the Constitution.

In his address to fellow lawmakers before the Christmas break, the Speaker highlighted that the proposed 2026 national budget and the process it underwent is a pioneering piece of legislation. He stated that the budget is historic due to its transparency and clear priorities, emphasizing it is shaped by a love for the country and an understanding of the people's realities.

The 2026 GAB proposes PHP6.7 trillion to support government operations next year. It is the first GAB to provide funding support to the education sector equivalent to 4.1 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP), exceeding the international benchmark. Other sectors prioritized under the 2026 GAB include health and agriculture.

The fund increases for the identified priority sectors were sourced from reductions in the proposed 2026 budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), following the flood control projects controversy.