Mr. President, may I propose the following amendments to the
Fiscal Year 2026 General Appropriations Bill, House Bill No. 4058,
under Senate Finance Committee Report No. 18:
I. BUDGETARY AMENDMENTS
1. Department of Public Works and Highways
For the Department of Public Works and Highways, deduct the amount of two billion pesos (P2,000,000,000) from the Payments of Right-of-Way: ONE BILLION PESOS (P1,000,000,000), under the Various Completed Projects for the Payments of Right-of-Way (ROW) for Nationwide/Central Office and another ONE BILLION PESOS (P1,000,000,000) from the Various Ongoing Projects for the Payments of Right-of-Way (ROW), similarly under Nationwide/Central Office.
Mr. President, the Nationwide/Central Office’s Payments Right-of-Way (ROW) appropriations are redundant, as funds are already allocated regionally. If these funds are essential, they should be allocated to the relevant regions. Hence, the amount deducted from the Payment of ROW shall be the source of the proposed budgetary amendments.
2. State Universities and Colleges
For the State Universities and Colleges, on the proposed budget of the University of the Philippines System, an increase of thirty million pesos (P30,000,000) for the UP NCPAG Governance Reform, Innovation and Transformation Collaboratory (GRIT Labs).
The UP NCPAG Governance Reform, Innovation and Transformation Collaboratory (GRIT Labs) has served as a cross-disciplinary platform that develops informed data analytics, evidence-based research, and capacity-building programs. Through this program, UP NCPAG assisted the Senate and other government agencies in data analysis and policy reform. The budgetary increase will meet their critical operational needs for continued meaningful collaboration between the academe and governance reform.
3. Department of Transportation
For the Department of Transportation, an increase of four hundred million pesos (P400,000,000) for the construction of the DOTr-CAR’s Regional Office.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is a revenue-generating agency. Its reported collections in 2024 were P13.2 billion, targets P13.4 billion for this year, and projects P13.5 billion for 2026. The DOTr-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOTr-CAR) alone generated about P393 million in 2024, and has already accumulated revenues of about P197 million from January to April of this year.
Despite being a revenue-generating agency, the regional office of DOTr-CAR has been renting from the Philippine Postal Corporation, incurring an annual rental expense of P1.96 million. It must be noted that the DOTr-CAR already acquired a 2,300 sqm parcel of land in 2018. Further, this project was originally part of the Tier 1 proposal of the DOTr. To this end, funding the construction of their building is not only practical but also a fiscally responsible strategy.
4. Other Executive Offices
a. Anti-Red Tape Authority
For the Other Executive Offices, on the proposed budget of the Anti-Red Tape Authority, an increase of ninety million nine hundred ninety-one thousand pesos (P90,991,000) is hereby proposed.
Mr. President, this proposed increase is intended to sustain momentum in promoting efficiency in government transactions and to fully implement the provisions of Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and the Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.
b. Commission on Higher Education
For the Other Executive Offices, on the proposed budget of the Commission on Higher Education, DELETE the Tulong Dunong Program and transfer the amount of two billion seven hundred twenty-seven million seven hundred forty-six thousand pesos (P2,727,746,000) to the Tertiary Education Subsidy.
With the passage of Republic Act No. 10931 (RA 10931), or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017, Tulong Dunong, as a separate program, was ultimately deleted and merged under the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES). However, the FY 2023 Appropriations and subsequent appropriations resurrected the Tulong Dunong Program.
Though not recommended by the National Expenditure Program, Tulong Dunong is now included in the General Appropriations Bill. Per data from CHED, there are more than 2.3 million unaccommodated students under the TES because they are not covered by the program’s prioritization. To be able to finance them, an amount of about P34.68 billion is required. This enormous funding gap in the TES is a strong case against creating a separate program, like Tulong Dunong, when the primary need is not even fully funded.
5. The Judiciary
a. Supreme Court of the Philippines and the Lower Courts
For the Judiciary, on the proposed budget of the Supreme Court of the Philippines and the Lower Courts, allocate the amount of two hundred forty-three million seven hundred eighty-nine thousand six hundred seventy-one pesos (P243,789,671) to fund the operationalization of the Supreme Court Judicial Integrity Office for Fiscal Year 2026.
Supreme Court En Banc Resolution AM No. 23-12-05-SC reorganizes the Judicial Integrity Board (JIB) and creates the Judicial Integrity Office (JIO), under the supervision and control of the SC, which shall be headed by the Judiciary Integrity Officer who shall be appointed by the Supreme Court.
During the plenary interpellations on the budget of the Judiciary, the need to fund the creation of the Judicial Integrity Office was recognized. Hence, this proposal.
b. Court of Appeals
For the Judiciary, increase the appropriations of the Court of Appeals by two hundred twenty-three million six hundred sixty-four thousand pesos (P223,664,000) for the critical gaps in staffing and personnel services.
The Court of Appeals originally proposed P8.472 billion but was cut significantly to P5.788 billion. We therefore propose this increase to address the critical gaps in staffing and personnel services.
6. Budgetary Support to Government Corporations
a. Development Academy of the Philippines
For the Budgetary Support to Government Corporations, on the appropriations of the Development Academy of the Philippines, an increase of twenty-eight million five hundred thousand pesos (P28,500,000), specifically to support the DAP-Graduate School of Public and Development Management.
Continuing education is crucial for improving the technical and leadership capacities of our government employees. The Development Academy of the Philippines – GSPDM has provided ladderized and master’s programs for our civil servants. However, despite the growing number of enlistees each year, DAP can accommodate only a small fraction due to budget constraints. Hence, to ensure wider accessibility to continuing education and a higher return on public investment, the increase in the DAP-GSPDM appropriations is proposed.
II. SPECIAL PROVISIONS
I. Department of Health
For the Special Provision of the Department of Health, amend Special Provision No. 4 on the Quick Response Fund to clarify the appropriate utilization of the QRF.
By stipulating the types of resources and activities, such as engagement of emergency health personnel and procurement of additional supplies and commodities, the revision will help ensure that the QRF fund utilization aligns closely with its primary purpose of rapid health service restoration and
intervention.
Hence, on page 1045, Volume I-A of the FY 2026 GAB, after the word “of”, delete the word “medical”. On the same page, after the word “equipment”, insert the phrase, “PROCUREMENT OF ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY HEALTH COMMODITIES/SUPPLIES AND OTHER ESSENTIAL RESOURCES,” and delete the words, “as well as.”
On the same page, line 21, after the word assistance, insert the phrase, “INCLUDING EMERGENCY ENGAGEMENT OF HEALTH PERSONNEL TO PROVIDE MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES AND FOR OTHER OPERATIONAL EXPENSES DURING THE RESPONSE PHASE OF THE EMERGENCY OR DISASTER TO ENSURE THE RAPID RESTORATION OF HEALTH SERVICES, THE DELIVERY OF CRITICAL HEALTH INTERVENTIONS, AND THE STABILIZATION OF HEALTH CONDITIONS,” and delete the words, “in order that the situation and living conditions of people”.
On line 23, delete the word “which” and in lieu thereof, insert the words, “WHETHER THESE”. On the same line, after the word “year”, delete the phrase “may be normalized as quickly as possible”.
The amended special provision shall read as follows:
“4. Quick Response Fund. The amount of Five Hundred Million Pesos (P500,000,000) appropriated herein for the Quick Response Fund (QRF) shall
serve as a stand-by fund to be used for the rehabilitation and repair of health facilities, replacement of [medical] equipment, PROCUREMENT OF ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY HEALTH COMMODITIES/SUPPLIES AND OTHER
ESSENTIAL RESOURCES, [as well as] provision for emergency medical assistance, INCLUDING EMERGENCY ENGAGEMENT OF HEALTH PERSONNEL TO PROVIDE MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES AND FOR OTHER OPERATIONAL EXPENSES DURING THE RESPONSE PHASE OF THE EMERGENCY OR DISASTER TO ENSURE THE RAPID RESTORATION OF HEALTH SERVICES, THE DELIVERY OF CRITICAL HEALTH INTERVENTIONS, AND THE STABILIZATION OF HEALTH CONDITIONS [in order that the situation and living conditions of people] in communities or areas affected by natural or human-induced calamities, epidemics, crises, and catastrophes, [which] WHETHER THESE occurred in the last quarter of the immediately preceding year and those occurring during the current year [may be normalized as quickly as possible]. In no case shall the QRF be used for pre-disaster activities, such as conduct of training, insurance of assets, and public information and education initiatives, or any other purpose not authorized in this provision. “
II. Department of Public Works and Highways
a. New Special Provision: Updating of Highway, Bridge, and Flood Management Design Manual
For the Department of Public Works and Highways, insert a special provision on “UPDATING OF HIGHWAY, BRIDGE, AND FLOOD MANAGEMENT DESIGN MANUALS.” By ensuring that the design manuals for key infrastructure are updated and consultative, we can foster foresight, strategic and climate-smart development in DPWH’s project implementation.
To this end, on page 3, Volume I-B of the FY 2026 GAB, INSERT a new Special Provision between lines 1 and 2, to read as follows:
“UPDATING OF HIGHWAY, BRIDGE, AND FLOOD MANAGEMENT DESIGN MANUALS. TO ADDRESS THE WORSENING EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
AND ENSURE EFFICIENT AND HIGH-QUALITY PROJECTS, THE DPWH SHALL WORK WITH SCIENTISTS, INDUSTRY EXPERTS, THE ACADEME,
AND PEOPLE’S ORGANIZATIONS TO COMPREHENSIVELY UPGRADE ITS DESIGN MANUALS FOR HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, AND FLOOD-MANAGEMENT STRUCTURES. THIS INCLUDES INTEGRATING UPDATED CLIMATE-IMPACT PROJECTIONS, NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS, HYDROLOGICAL AND GEOTECHNICAL RISK ASSESSMENTS, AND COMMUNITY-INFORMED ADAPTATION MEASURES TO ENSURE THAT FUTURE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS ARE RESILIENT, SUSTAINABLE, AND RESPONSIVE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS.”
b. New Special Provision: Roadmap for Digital Planning, Design, Construction, Maintenance and Management
Still, for the DPWH, insert a special provision on “ROADMAP FOR DIGITAL PLANNING, DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT.
Mr. President, the recent events demonstrate that the scale, complexity, and fragmented nature of infrastructure projects create the opportunity for corruption. It is therefore an opportune time to adopt a technology that will ensure efficiency, transparency, and integrity in our infrastructure projects.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been recognized by various countries as an effective tool in their construction industry and has institutionalized the transformative technology for designing, constructing, and managing public projects.
To this end, on page 4 of Volume I-B of the FY 2026 GAB, INSERT a New Special Provision, between lines 8 and 9, to read as follows:
“ROADMAP FOR DIGITAL PLANNING, DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT. THE DPWH SHALL ADOPT A FIVE-YEAR DETAILED ROADMAP FOR THE ADOPTION AND INTEGRATION OF BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING (BIM) IN THE PLANNING, DESIGNING, CONSTRUCTION, AND MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF GOVERNMENT FUNDED INFRASTRUCTURES.”
III. Department of Social Welfare and Development
a. Office of the Secretary
For the Special Provision of the DSWD, insert a new provision between lines 40 and 41, specifically, Special Provision No. 9, “Prohibition on Political Involvement in Cash Aid Distribution.” This special provision will insulate government social welfare programs from partisan politics.
Mr. President, there must be no room for political exploitation and manipulation of the government programs in any shape or form, especially when those at the other end are already suffering. To politicize a social welfare program is not only unjust but also inhumane.
To this end, between lines 40 and 41, page 228, Volume I-B of FY 2026 GAB, insert a new provision to read as follows:
“9. PROHIBITION ON POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT IN CASH AID DISTRIBUTION. THE FUNDS APPROPRIATED FOR THE DSWD SHALL BE USED STRICTLY TO ENSURE THAT ALL CASH ASSISTANCE DISTRIBUTIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO PROTECTIVE SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES IN DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES, TULONG PANGHANAPBUHAY SA ATING DISADVANTAGED/DISPLACED WORKERS, AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO INDIGENT AND FINANCIALLY INCAPACITATED PATIENTS PROGRAM, ARE CONDUCTED EXCLUSIVELY BY AUTHORIZED DSWD PERSONNEL OR ACCREDITED PARTNERS. NO INCUMBENT PUBLIC OFFICIAL, ELECTORAL CANDIDATE, POLITICIAN, OR ANY OF THEIR REPRESENTATIVES SHALL BE ALLOWED TO BE PRESENT IN, PARTICIPATE IN, INFLUENCE, OR OTHERWISE TAKE PART IN THE CONDUCT, FACILITATION, OR DISTRIBUTION OF ANY CASH ASSISTANCE, NOR SHALL ANY POLITICAL SIGNAGE, BRANDING, PARAPHERNALIA, OR ACTIVITY BE DISPLAYED OR CONDUCTED WITHIN THE DISTRIBUTION AREA. THE DSWD SHALL ESTABLISH AND ENFORCE PROTOCOLS AND REPORTING MECHANISMS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE, AND ANY DSWD PERSONNEL WHO PERMIT OR FACILITATE SUCH POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT SHALL BE SUBJECT TO ADMINISTRATIVE SANCTIONS UNDER APPLICABLE CIVIL SERVICE RULES.”
IV. Allocations to x Units – Local Government Support Fund
1. LGSF: Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Assistance Program
For the Local Government Support Fund, insert a New Special Provision on “Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Assistance Program.” This is in light of the extensive damage and persistent reconstruction and rehabilitation funding requirements caused by the recent tropical cyclones and seismic events. To ensure that the appropriations are responsive to the needs of the affected LGUs, the funding must align with the approved Local Rehabilitation and Recovery Plans (LRRPs) and be strictly substantiated by the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA).
To this end, on page 638, Volume I-B of the FY 2026 GAB, INSERT a new Special Provision between lines 48 and 49, to read as follows:
6. DISASTER REHABILITATION AND RECONSTRUCTION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR LGUS. THE APPROPRIATIONS SHALL BE USED TO AID IN THE RECOVERY AND RECONSTRUCTION OF THE ECONOMY AND LIVELIHOOD IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY VOLCANIC ERUPTION OF MT. KANLAON, TROPICAL CYCLONE “OPONG” IN SEPTEMBER; MAGNITUDE 6.9 EARTHQUAKE IN CEBU ON 30 SEPTEMBER; MAGNITUDE 7.4 AND 6.8 EARTHQUAKES IN DAVAO ORIENTAL ON 10 OCTOBER; TROPICAL CYCLONES “TINO” AND “UWAN” ON 10 NOVEMBER 2025.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANDATE OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10121, AND THE POWERS AND FUNCTIONS VESTED IN THE OFFICE OF CIVIL DEFENSE (OCD), THE AMOUNT SHALL FUND SPECIFIC PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES, AND PROJECTS VALIDATED BY THE POST-DISASTER NEEDS ASSESSMENT (PDNA) AND INCLUDED UNDER THE APPROVED LOCAL REHABILITATION AND RECOVERY PLANS (LRRPS) OF THE RESPECTIVE LGUS: (I) SHELTER AND RESETTLEMENTS; (II) PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE – ROADS, BRIDGES, AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS, AND MULTI-PURPOSE/EVACUATION FACILITIES; (III) EDUCATION AND HEALTH SERVICES; (IV) AGRICULTURE – CROPS, LIVESTOCK, FISHERIES; AND (V) SOCIAL PROTECTION; FURTHERMORE, THE DBM SHALL ENSURE THAT FUNDS ARE RELEASED IN THE FIRST
QUARTER OF THE FISCAL YEAR, PROVIDED THAT CONCERNED LGUS HAVE COMPLETED ALL THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS FOR
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION, AND DISBURSEMENT AND UTILIZATION BY THE LGUS SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE PERTINENT PROVISIONS OF R.A. NO. 12009, APPLICABLE ACCOUNTING, BUDGETING AND AUDITING RULES AND REGULATIONS, AND SUCH OTHER GUIDELINES TO BE ISSUED FOR THE PURPOSE.
2. Support to the Barangay Development Program of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict
Further to the Special Provision under the LGSF, insert a new paragraph for the Support to the Barangay Development Program of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. The new paragraph ensures the inclusion of the timeline on the release of the funds, which is crucial to the success of the implementation of the program. In addition, the engagement of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) as part of the social accountability measures is indispensable for transparency and critical in securing the public’s trust for the program.
To this end, on page 638, Volume I-A of the FY 2026 GAB, INSERT a new paragraph between lines 16 and 17, to read as follows:
THE DBM SHALL ENSURE THAT FUNDS ARE RELEASED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THE FISCAL YEAR, PROVIDED THAT THE CONCERNED LGUS HAVE COMPLETED ALL THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS FOR PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION; DULY ACCREDITED CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION BY WAY OF: (I) SERVING AS OBSERVER IN THE PROCUREMENT PROCESS; (II) MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL PROJECT MONITORING; AND (III) THIRD PARTY MONITORING AND EVALUATION, AND CITIZENS ARE ALSO ENCOURAGED TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECTS.
V. Contingent Fund
For Special Provision No. 1 – Contingent Fund, delete the words “such as, but not limited to,” and replace with the phrase “WHICH SHALL BE LIMITED TO”.
The amended special provision shall read as follows:
1. Contingent Fund. The amount of Thirteen Billion Pesos (P13,000,000,000) appropriated herein shall cover the funding requirements of new or urgent activities or projects of national government agencies, GOCCs, and LGUs that need to be implemented or paid during the year, WHICH SHALL BE LIMITED TO the following: (i) legal obligation of the National Government arising from final and executory decisions of competent authorities, such as compromise agreements, arbitral awards, mediation settlement agreements, and professional services in connection thereto; (ii) requirements of newly created offices; or (iii) deficiencies in the appropriations for local and external travels of the President of the Philippines.
The current language on items eligible for funding under the Contingent Fund effectively grants the Executive branch broad discretion to finance projects without adequate congressional scrutiny. To prevent this fund from becoming prone to abuse and misuse, this proposal clearly restricts its use to the three defined criteria, as mentioned above.
III. GENERAL PROVISION
1. For the General Provisions, insert a new paragraph to “Section. 34. Programs and Projects Related to Senior Citizens and Persons with Disability.”
In particular, on page 677, Volume I-B of the FY 2026 GAB, insert a new paragraph between lines 24 and 25, to read as follows:
“ALL NATIONAL AGENCIES, GOCCS AND LGUS ARE DIRECTED TO PROVIDE QUALIFIED FILIPINO SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS AND ACCESSIBLE
MATERIALS FOR ALL PUBLIC TRANSACTIONS, SERVICES AND FACILITIES INVOLVING THE DEAF, PURSUANT TO R.A. NOS. 11106, 10533, 12199, 7277, AND 11650, INCLUDING THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.”
The amended special provision guarantees that the government will comply with existing laws requiring Filipino Sign Language interpretation and accessibility, as well as international commitments that promote support to Persons with Disabilities to ensure their effective participation in society.
That is all, Mr. President. Thank you.
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