SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES/ FACEBOOK
The Senate announced Tuesday that it will extend its sessions until December 23 to ensure the passage of the proposed 2026 national budget.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri made the announcement during plenary sessions on Tuesday.
Zubiri said the chamber would hold “extended sessions during the Christmas holidays” exclusively for the approval of next year’s budget.
He added that senators have been asked to adjust their holiday plans with their families to prioritize the spending measure.
“For the nation. So we can pass the General Appropriations Act,” Zubiri said.
Following his remarks, Zubiri moved to consider Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III approved the motion.
Zubiri explained that the measure simply amends the legislative calendar by moving the adjournment of session to December 23.
He said sessions would remain suspended until January 25, with work resuming on January 26.
The Senate was originally scheduled to adjourn on December 19.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian earlier said the P6.793-trillion 2026 national budget may be sent to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for signing by December 29, 2025.
