The Senate of the Philippines intensified its scrutiny of the ₱6.792-trillion proposed 2026 national budget on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, with senators zeroing in on transparency and accountability in government spending. 

The third day of plenary debates on House Bill No. 4058, the 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB), saw lawmakers challenging the appropriations of several key agencies, determined to ensure public funds are utilized effectively for national development.

Discussions were sharp and focused, revolving around critical concerns such as the proper planning and monitoring of infrastructure projects, enhancing the nation's climate adaptation and disaster response capabilities, and preventing the misuse of funds. 

The upper chamber's firm stance reflects a commitment to rebuild public trust by demanding meticulous detail and justification for every centavo allocated in the massive spending plan. Senators emphasized that the budget is a reflection of national aspirations and must be guarded against waste and corruption.

The plenary successfully concluded interpellations on the budgets of eight major government agencies. These included the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), Department of Finance (DOF), and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the core agencies responsible for the government's fiscal policy.

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