Senate leaders moved to assure the public on Tuesday that the government will not operate under a reenacted budget in 2026.
Concerns over a reenacted spending plan have resurfaced due to the tight timeline for final approval of the national budget.
“All is well. No reenacted budget,” said Senate President Vicente Sotto III before the start of budget deliberations in the Senate plenary hall.
Earlier, Senate Finance Committee chairman Sherwin Gatchalian noted that the spending bill will reach the president’s desk only by December 29, a few days before year-end which leaves little room for delay in the final stages of the budget process.
The Senate chief sought to ease fears by saying the chamber intends to complete its work without allowing a reenacted budget scenario.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson likewise dismissed the possibility and stressed that the chamber remains on track to finish its legislative tasks.
Lacson said the Senate aims to conclude debates on individual amendments and secure second reading approval by Tuesday.
“The reenacted budget is unlikely, and we will not allow it unless a strong storm prevents us from holding the bicameral conference,” he said.
The veteran lawmaker added that the chamber could pass the national budget on third reading by Friday.
Once both chambers pass their respective versions, the bicameral conference committee will meet next week to reconcile differences.
