Senator Risa Hontiveros threw her support behind the proposed 2026 national budget, pointing to key allocations she said would directly assist sectors long in need of stronger government backing. She welcomed the approval of several amendments she had pushed, including expanded support for overseas Filipino workers, additional resources for public hospitals, and higher funding for education.
Hontiveros said she appreciated the chamber’s recognition of sectors that rely heavily on government services. “Nagpapasalamat tayo sa mas malaking pondo sa 2026 budget para sa mga programang kailangan ng napakaraming estudyante, OFW, kababaihan at kabataan,” she said. She added, “I am happy that the Senate has not forgotten the needs of our vulnerable kababayans, especially the Filipino youth who represent our collective future”.
One of the biggest adjustments secured under her proposals was a ₱7.35-billion increase for state universities and colleges, which she said would help ease the financial strain on students. The budget also includes wider OFW assistance across 82 provinces and dedicated funding for liver transplant and brain surgery programs in government hospitals.
Agencies addressing online exploitation of children will also receive more resources, with the National Coordination Center for OSAEC and CSAEM set to strengthen its operations. Additional funding was granted as well to boost the Commission on Audit’s pre-audit systems aimed at curbing corruption.
In the transport sector, Hontiveros backed reforms to the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, noting that officials must ensure the rollout remains equitable for drivers and operators.
Despite the expanded fund allocations, she expressed disappointment over the exclusion of her proposed subsidy for indirect PhilHealth contributors and her recommended Sierra Madre Watershed Protection Fund. “It is very unfortunate that these life-saving and environment-protecting amendments were not adopted. But I will continue fighting for these proposals in the next budget cycle,” she said.
The senator reiterated that investment in health, education, and environmental protection should remain at the top of government priorities. “Tuloy ang pagsusulong natin na madagdagan ang pondo para sa kalusugan at sa proteksyon ng kalikasan, ngayon at sa mga susunod na taon,” she said.
