Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Monday said the passage of the PHP6.793-trillion 2026 national budget is the first step toward building a more transparent, accountable, and service-oriented Congress.
“Maaaring hindi perpekto ang ating badyet, ngunit ito ay malinaw na simula ng bagong yugto sa ating paglilingkod —ang unang hakbang tungo sa tunay na Badyet ng Bayan: Bukas at Tapat sa Sambayanan (The budget may not be perfect, but this is a clear step of a new chapter of our service –the first step towards a true Budget of the Nation: Open and True to the People),” Dy said following the chamber’s approval of the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) on third and final reading.
The Speaker said the 2026 GAB was crafted with care, deliberation, and integrity to ensure that every peso collected from taxpayers directly benefits ordinary Filipinos through vital programs in education, health, social welfare, and infrastructure.
“Ang sagradong mandato ng pamahalaan ay ang makatarungan, bukas, at responsableng pamamahagi ng yaman at oportunidad para sa ating lahat. Iyan ang dahilan kung bakit tayo naririto. Iyan ang diwa ng Kongreso: tiyakin na ang bawat piso na galing sa buwis ng ating mga kababayan ay ginagamit nang tama at makarating sa mga tunay na nangangailangan (The sacred mandate of government is for a just, open and responsible distribution of wealth and opportunity for all. That’s why we are here. That’s the spirit of Congress: to ensure that each peso from the taxes of our countrymen is used properly and reaches the real beneficiaries).”
The education sector received the highest allocation at PHP1.281 trillion, equivalent to 4.1 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) –reflecting the government’s commitment to provide a brighter future for Filipino learners.
Dy said the budget also sustains investments in healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and social protection to promote inclusive growth.
He commended both the majority and minority blocs for their collaboration in shaping the budget, describing the process as a spirited exchange of ideas that strengthened democracy and produced a people-centered spending plan.
He likewise thanked Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Mikaela Suansing and the Appropriations Committee members and staff.
The Speaker also expressed gratitude to the Secretariat, employees, security personnel, and maintenance staff of the House, calling them the “pillars of the institution” whose dedication and hard work make every law and late-night session possible.
Congress will never stop listening
Meanwhile, Dy said Congress would always value constructive criticism, acknowledging that those who scrutinize the legislature play a vital role in strengthening it.
He acknowledged that the House is facing scrutiny and vowed that Congress would always listen to its constituents.
“At sa lahat ng mga pumupuna sa ating institusyon, maraming salamat din po. Kayo po ang umuudyok sa amin na ituwid ang ating mga gawain at isaayos ang mga plano at programa para sa ating mga kababayan (To all those who criticized our institution, we also thank you very much. You motivated us to rectify our ways and fix out plans and programs for the people),” Dy said.
“Kung mayroon pa po kaming pagkukulang, sige lang po; nandito lang po kami; handa po kaming makinig sa inyo (If we still have shortcomings, we are always here, we are ready to listen to you). We will never stop listening. Palaging bukas ang Kongreso para sa inyo (Congress is always open for you).”
Dy said the House will continue to uphold transparency and accountability in all its actions, saying the legislature must always serve as “a home of compassion and honest public service.”
As the session concluded, Dy called on lawmakers to regard the adjournment not as a pause, but as a renewed beginning for the institution –one that must be defined by accountability, integrity, and genuine public service. (PNA)