Category: Business Mirror

The latest report of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations may not have enumerated the East Asian and Southeast Asian countries that grappled with high food prices a year after Russia attacked Ukraine, but the Philippines surely felt its impact. In a report, FAO said the proportion of countries experiencing moderately to abnormally high food prices doubled on an annual basis in 2023, returning to the levels observed in 2020.

This change, FAO said, was driven by a jump in the number of countries with abnormally high food prices.

The Philippines was certainly one of those Southeast Asian nations that saw ‘moderately to abnormally high’ food prices in 2023. That year inflation accelerated to a level that was last seen in 2008, when the rate averaged 6.3 percent, mainly due to high rice prices. Nearly two decades ago, the decision of rice-exporting countries caused international rice prices to skyrocket to unprecedented levels, affecting importers like the Philippines which has become reliant on foreign sources for its rice requirements.

The 6 percent average inflation rate recorded in 2023 was even faster than the 5.8 percent posted in 2022. These figures highlighted the country’s vulnerability to international developments such as Russia’s attack on Ukraine and its reliance on other nations to plug the gap in its domestic food supply. Supply constraints put more pressure on food prices the following year, when rice, onions, sugar and pork carried a higher price tag.

International organization Asean+3 Macroeconomic Office (Amro) said the jump in prices of key food items was due to a shortage of domestic supply. To tame inflation, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas had to tighten monetary policy aggressively, raising policy rate 10 times between May 2022 and end-2023. However, monetary measures can only do so much to make food more affordable, as these will not be able to address the problems hounding the agri-food sector.

Easing supply constraints and reducing the country’s vulnerability to geopolitical and trade tensions would require serious effort on the part of policymakers to remove obstacles to increasing the country’s food supply. Amro noted that only a strong agricultural sector and a more resilient food supply chain will eliminate price volatility and eventually enhance the country’s food security. A robust agricultural sector, however, would remain a pipe dream if local planters remain unable to profit from their produce.

The Department of Agriculture will be getting a higher budget for next year, thanks to the decision of lawmakers to reallocate a portion of the flood control projects to the sector. These funds should be used judiciously to hasten the delivery of interventions that planters need to improve their productivity. The money should also be used to bankroll ‘unpopular’ programs that would have enabled this administration to increase farm exports and create more jobs in rural areas.

THE popular Spanish film festival PELÍCULA-PELIKULA is returning to Makati City for its 24th edition from October 10 to 16.

Since its creation in 2002 by Instituto Cervantes, ‘PELÍCULA.’ has become a much-awaited annual event in Philippine theaters. This year’s festival will showcase more than 20 acclaimed films from Spain, Latin America, and the Philippines.

The festival will open on October 10 at Ayala Triangle Gardens with the screening of El 47 (Marcel Barrena, 2024). Then throughout the week, audiences will enjoy a variety of genres, including dramas such as Soy Nevenka (Icíar Bollaín, 2024) and Nosotros (Helena Taberna, 2024); documentaries such as Un hombre libre (Laura Hojman, 2024) and La guitarra flamenca de Yerai Cortés (C. Tangara, 2024); and animations such as Mariposas negras (David Baute, 2024) and Robotia (Diego Cagide and Diego Lucero, 2024).

In addition to Spanish productions, the official selection will feature films from Latin America: the Argentinian drama Por tu bien (Axel Monsú, 2024), the Brazilian Até que a música pare (Cristiane Oliveira, 2023), Uruguay’s Becho (José Infantozzi, 2024), and the Peruvian Reinas (Klaudia Reynicke, 2024). Filipino cinema will also have its place through the program En corto: Short films from the Philippines, Latin America, and Spain, which will be screened on October 16.

Like in previous years, spectators will decide the Audience Choice Award-one of the festival’s most beloved traditions since 2004. Viewers may vote for their favorite films after each screening. The winning title will be announced on October 16, and will be screened again that evening at Power Plant Cinema 6 during the festival’s closing.

Special sections and activities

MARKING its return to Makati City, PELÍCULA will treat audiences to the extravaganza of Cine Maratón at Ayala Triangle Gardens on October 11. It will feature an entire day of films such as Dalia y el libro rojo (David Bisbano, 2024), Tasio (Montxo Armendáriz, 1984), Solos en la noche (Guillermo Rojas, 2024), and Reinas (Klaudia Reynicke, 2024) from 11:45 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The festival will also include parallel activities. On October 11, Instituto Cervantes will also offer an activity related to films for children, where the Spanish Cultural Center will invite young participants to join fun and creative activities such as crafts and games that spark their imagination and curiosity.

The following day, October 12, before the screening of Robotia at 2 p.m. in Power Plant Cinema 6, kids will have the opportunity to win several footballs and an official T-shirt donated by Real Madrid C.F. through Manila-based Peña Madridista Emilio Butragueño.

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported that the country’s foreign currency deposit unit (FCDU) loans posted flat growth in the second quarter of 2025.

The data showed non-peso loans inched 0.9 percent to $15.93 billion in the second quarter of 2025 from $15.78 billion in the previous quarter.

The bulk of the loans, worth $10.12 billion (63.5 percent) were extended to Philippine-based borrowers, while the rest went to non-residents.

‘As of end-June 2025, outstanding loans reflected $6.76 billion in new loans and $6.64 billion in loan payments made during the reference quarter,’ the BSP said. ‘Year-on-year, FCDU loans grew 1.9 percent. The increase came alongside the 10-percent growth in deposits in foreign currencies, which reached $60.67 billion from $55.16 billion.’

According to the central bank, major Philippine-based borrowers were led by merchandise and service exporters whose loans grew 24.9 percent to $2.52 billion in the second quarter. This was followed by FCDU loans of towing, tanker, trucking, forwarding, personal and other industries; growing 22 percent to $2.22 billion.

The BSP said FCDU loans of power generation companies also posted double digit growth of 18.7 percent which brought their loans to $1.89 billion in the second quarter.

‘Most loans were medium- to long-term, with maturities over one year. These accounted for 79 percent of the total, higher than the 77.2 percent in the previous quarter,’ according to the central bank.

FCDU loans are loans denominated in a foreign currency, such as US dollars, extended by FCDUs of local banks or local branches of foreign banks authorized by the BSP to engage in foreign currency transactions. These loans support economic activities that require foreign exchange, such as importers, businesses, and individuals with foreign currency transactions.

SENATORS showered with accolades members of the Alas Pilipinas Men with Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano sponsoring Senate Resolution No. 143 that congratulates and commends the team for its milestone 19th-place finish in the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship.

‘Sports brings Filipinos together. This team not only made us proud during the SEA Games, but they also made sure they will pleasantly surprise us,’ Cayetano said during his sponsorship speech.

Cayetano said the team’s breakthrough run ‘brought immense pride and honor’ to the country and proved that Filipino athletes can excel when given the right opportunities.

The senator emphasized that sports is a ‘God-given activity’ that promotes health and well-being, fosters unity even in the midst of political divides, and elevates the Philippines’ global image through international success.

The Senate resolution emphasized that the achievement was made even more significant by the Philippines’ role as the tournament’s sole host.

All 24 Senators supported and adopted the resolution with Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel ‘Migz’ Zubiri and Senators Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan, Joel Villanueva and Erwin Tulfo making their manifestations congratulating the national team.

Present at the Senate were Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara and secretary-general Donaldo Caringal and members of Alas Pilipinas led by head coach Angiolino Frigoni and deputy coach Ogie Mamon and team captain Bryan Bagunas.

The resolution also cited standouts led by captain Bryan Bagunas, who finished third among the tournament’s top scorers, and Marck Espejo, who ranked fourth among receivers, with Cayetano saying their feats prove the grit and talent of Filipino athletes on the world stage.

The senator likewise credited the coaching staff led by Angiolino Frigoni and the reforms implemented by the PNVF under Suzara, which opened doors to overseas tournaments and strengthened training programs for national players.

Cayetano, who also serves as Co-chair of the Local Organizing Committee and Chairman Emeritus of the PNVF, added that honoring Alas Pilipinas is not only about celebrating their success but also about sustaining momentum for long-term sports development.

‘Honoring Filipino athletes serves a public purpose because their achievements inspire national pride, set standards for sports programs, and justify sustained investment in facilities, training, and athlete support nationwide,’ he said.

This success, Cayetano said, set the stage for the Philippines to host the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Championship in 2029, with greater readiness and confidence.

‘Because of their performance and because of the successful hosting, two years from now, iyon namang Women’s Volleyball Championship will be held in the Philippines and this time around we have much more time to prepare,’ he said.

THE Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) and the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) formally signed a partnership agreement to strengthen leadership capabilities, foster innovation, and accelerate organizational growth within the state-run postal service.

The agreement was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Makati City, attended by officials from both institutions.

Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer Maximo C. Sta. Maria III, himself an AIM alumnus, described the collaboration as a vital step in preparing the agency for the demands of modern public service.

‘For many years, PHLPost has connected families, supported trade, and served communities nationwide. As the world evolves, so must we,’ Sta. Maria said.

‘This partnership with AIM is an investment in our people-helping us deliver reliable services, adopt best practices, and transform PHLPost into a future-ready institution.’

Under the partnership, PHLPost managers and executives will undergo specialized training beginning with a Supply Chain Management Program. The course is designed to equip leaders with critical skills in planning, sourcing, inventory management, logistics, and risk management-capabilities that are increasingly essential as postal services adapt to digitalization and e-commerce growth.

AIM Business Development Senior Manager Joan Vidal said the program was tailored to address the evolving needs of the postal service. She added that the partnership paves the way for more customized training initiatives aimed at strengthening PHLPost’s competitiveness and long-term relevance.

Meanwhile, AIM School of Executive Education and Lifelong Learning Program Head Jose Raphael Ibarra highlighted the broader impact of the collaboration.

‘We are proud to partner with PHLPost in this journey of modernization. Together, we can empower leaders, strengthen institutions, and create lasting impact through innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision for national development,’ Ibarra said.

The initiative forms part of PHLPost’s broader modernization agenda, which includes digital transformation, improved delivery systems, and stronger employee engagement programs. By investing in leadership development, PHLPost seeks to reinforce its role as a vital service provider-connecting Filipinos through communication, commerce, and community service.

President Donald Trump said ‘a lot of good’ could stem from a government shutdown, threatening to oust federal workers and eliminate programs that are favored by Democrats if Congress doesn’t meet a midnight funding deadline.

‘We can get rid of a lot of things that we didn’t want and they’d be Democrat things,’ Trump told reporters in the Oval Office Tuesday. ‘They just don’t learn. So we have no choice. I have to do that for the country.’

Trump’s remarks are likely to inflame tensions with Democrats just before a midnight deadline to fund the government. The deadlock over spending threatens to paralyze many US government operations for the first time in nearly seven years, causing the suspension of services for Americans and paychecks for federal workers.

Earlier Tuesday, Trump suggested there could be ‘a lot’ of federal worker dismissals if federal funding ran out. The White House last week directed agencies to draw up plans for widespread firings if the government closed down. So far, no agencies have explicitly called for terminations in their shutdown plans.

As many as 750,000 federal workers could be temporarily furloughed, even if Trump doesn’t proceed with permanent dismissals, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated.

Political fallout could be widespread for both Trump and Democrats ahead of next year’s critical midterm elections, and leaders of both parties focused their public comments on blaming the other.

‘They want to try to bully us- they are not going to succeed-into taking their partisan bill,’ Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday. ‘That’s why we are heading into a shutdown.’

Democrats ‘are taking a risk by having a shutdown,’ Trump said at a mid-day Oval Office event. ‘We’re not shutting it down. We don’t want to shut it down because we have the greatest period of time.’

Asked about chances of a shutdown, he responded, ‘Nothing is inevitable, but I would say it’s probably likely.’

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, similarly predicted that a shutdown is imminent.

‘I’m an optimist, but I’m a little skeptical this morning,’ he told CNBC Tuesday.

Although last-minute spending deals have averted several other threatened shutdowns in recent years, the stakes are especially high now, with the White House threatening to fire employees rather than furlough them, and Democratic leaders under intense pressure from progressives in the party to stand up to Trump.

Stocks fluctuated Tuesday morning with the prospect of a shutdown stoking concerns about how long it’ll go on and what impact the possibly delayed release of key economic data will have on the Federal Reserve’s upcoming interest-rate decisions.

Johnson accused Democrats of playing politics with their effort to renew health-care tax credits, saying it doesn’t have to be resolved until the end of the year when the tax credits expire.

‘Open the government and then we’ll have all the discussions,’ he said. ‘But right now that is a red herring.’

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Republicans of being unwilling to participate in bipartisan negotiations, telling CNBC Tuesday that his party refuses to be a part of ‘a my-way-or-the-highway’ approach.

Republicans in recent days have repeated the phrase ‘Schumer shutdown’ in an attempt to pin the blame on their Democratic opponent.

‘Chuck Schumer needs a Schumer shutdown and I think that’s what we’re probably careening toward,’ Senate Republican Leader John Thune told CNBC on Tuesday.

Deep divide

Lawmakers appeared no closer to a deal after a Monday meeting at the White House only served to underscore their deep divide. Democrats have sought an extension of health-care subsidies and a reversal of Medicaid funding cuts that were part of Trump’s signature tax legislation enacted earlier this year. Republicans are insisting on what they call a clean continuing resolution-without an array of controversial policy measures-that would extend government funding until November 21.

Thune told reporters the Democrats’ push amounted to a ‘hostage taking.’ While there is an opportunity to discuss potential health-care premium tax credit changes with Democrats, Thune said, ‘we can’t even have that discussion until we keep the government open.’

Until then, Thune said the Senate will take repeated votes on a short-term spending bill to reopen the government.

Senator John Barrasso, a member of Senate Republican leadership, said the chamber would take a break for the Yom Kippur holiday this week if there is a shutdown but then return to Washington and vote through the weekend.

If the president was seeking to curry Democratic votes, it wasn’t immediately apparent. Trump, who last week canceled a planned sit-down with Democratic leaders, on Monday evening posted a poorly dubbed video on social media of Schumer and Jeffries, set to mariachi music, suggesting the pair wanted to import new voters who ‘can’t even speak English.’

Schumer sniped back that the president is ‘trolling away on the Internet like a 10-year-old.’ Jeffries called the depiction of him in a sombrero ‘racist’ and dared Trump to insult him to his face.

Trump ally Sean Hannity, on Fox News, suggested to Johnson that there was no chance Trump would give into any of the Democrats’ demands, and Johnson agreed. Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, Democrats cheered party leaders in a closed-door meeting Monday evening that appeared to rally the troops.

Exit ramps

A shutdown would be the first since 2018-2019, when funding for the government lapsed for five weeks, including over New Year’s Day, during Trump’s first term.

Although Republicans control both chambers of Congress-as well as the White House-they appear to need the support of at least seven more Senate Democrats to clear procedural hurdles and pass a funding bill.

One possible path being discussed late Monday involves a potential compromise that would extend health-care tax credits but phase down the amounts in the second and third year.

GOP lawmakers expressed confidence that, even if the government shut down briefly, Democrats would eventually yield.

Despite a slowdown in population growth, the Philippines’ population is expected to keep rising due to ‘population momentum,’ officials from the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) said.

‘We are slowing down in terms of our population growth rate. But because of a large population base from previous years, driven by high growth rates in the past, this phenomenon is what we call population momentum,’ CPD Division Chief Mylin Mirasol C. Quiray said during a press conference organized by Bayer Philippines Inc. and UNFPA Philippines.

She said that even with the fertility rate now at 1.9, which is below the replacement level of two, the total population will continue to increase because those already born will mature, have children, and add to the population.

Dr. Corazon M. Raymundo, president of the Forum for Family Planning and Development, echoed Quiray’s explanation, comparing population momentum to a moving car that continues to roll forward even after the brakes are applied.

Family planning

Raymundo highlighted the success of family planning programs in the Philippines, which began in the 1970s with contraceptive services and health interventions. These efforts brought down the population growth rate from three percent at that time to the current 2.1 percent, reaching what is considered the replacement level, meaning the population can sustain itself without rapid growth.

‘Technically, that term [replacement level] means we’re now able to just replace a woman with another person and the father with another person. So it’s a success,’ she emphasized, noting that this stage is what many countries aim for when implementing family planning programs.

She noted, however, that while this decline is a positive development, it also brings a new challenge: the growing proportion of young adults, often referred to as the ‘demographic dividend.’

‘When the rate of growth of the population declines, that means we really want the number of babies to be less. Or the rate of growth is really measured by the number of babies that you bear vis-à-vis the number of total population,’ Raymundo said.

‘As the number of young adults grows, they are expected to drive the economy, but only if they are provided with education, employment, and opportunities for development,’ she added.

Maximizing potential of the youth

Raymundo emphasized that the country’s focus should now shift from controlling population growth to maximizing the potential of its youth.

‘Our demographic situation has improved, but the challenge is to ensure that this larger youth population has access to education, income, and opportunities for a better life. That is our new problem; not runaway growth, but making the most of our demographic dividend,’ she said.

Based on the 2024 Census of Population, the country’s population stood at 112.7 million, up by 3.7 million from 2020. While the population continues to increase, the annual growth rate has slowed to 0.8 percent from 2020 to 2024, nearly half the 1.6 percent recorded between 2015 and 2020. This deceleration has been linked to declining fertility and birth rates, elevated mortality during the Covid-19 pandemic, and subdued migration.

However, experts cautioned that certain demographic challenges, particularly the rise of adolescent pregnancies, may undermine these gains and affect the country’s long-term human capital development.

Adolescent pregnancies

Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) data show that adolescent pregnancies among those aged 10 to 14 are on the rise again, with reported cases increasing from 2,411 in 2019, slightly dropping to 2,113 in 2020, then rising again to 2,320 in 2021. The number climbed further to 3,135 in 2022 and reached 3,343 in 2023.

By region, the highest proportions of adolescent births were recorded in Region 12 with 13.7 percent (9,501 out of 69,223 births), Region 10 also at 13.7 percent (10,895 out of 79,551), and Region 9 with 12.6 percent (6,987 out of 55,313).

Meanwhile, the Cordillera Administrative Region posted 8.4 percent (2,146 out of 25,447), Region 4A had 8.2 percent (17,764 out of 217,906), and the National Capital Region recorded the lowest proportion at 7 percent (11,551 out of 164,002).

CPD pushes teen health measures

Quiray pointed to social, cultural, and educational gaps as drivers of adolescent pregnancies, citing the lack of open family discussions on sex, cases of abuse by older partners, and gender power imbalances.

She also emphasized the lack of comprehensive reproductive health education, with many adolescents turning to social media as their main source of information.

‘That’s why we are engaging micro-influencers and focusing on online platforms, because that’s where young people are,’ she said.

She said findings from the Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study show that increased exposure to online pornography has further complicated the issue, underscoring the need for stronger legislation.

‘That’s why we are advocating for the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill to be passed in the 20th Congress,’ Quiray emphasized, noting that it was filed by Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Rico to strengthen existing measures.

Comprehensive approach

Quiray said addressing adolescent pregnancy requires a comprehensive approach. This includes reproductive health education, greater access to health information and services, protection from abuse and violence, and socioeconomic support for young mothers to prevent repeat pregnancies.

She also emphasized that young people must be empowered to participate in policymaking, describing them as ‘the voice of the voiceless.’

To further raise awareness, Quiray cited ongoing efforts to promote reproductive health through platforms such as ‘I Choose,’ and Malayaako.ph.

‘Policies and education are really key to preventing adolescent pregnancy and addressing its costs,’ she said.

She added that local government units play a critical role, stressing that programs, budgets, and policies at the community level are essential to sustain adolescent health and development initiatives.

‘Social media shapes contraceptive choices’

In 2024, Bayer Philippines and the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) conducted the ‘Digital Conversion Study’ (DCS), which found that social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok play a significant role in shaping contraceptive choices among Filipinos.

The study also revealed that respondents preferred digital materials presented in engaging formats, featuring real individuals sharing factual information about various family planning and contraceptive methods.

Building on these findings, Bayer Philippines and UNFPA recently launched the 2025 initiative, ‘Building Adolescent Peer Champions for SRHR,’ aimed at empowering young people to advocate for positive attitudes toward sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

The program trains both adolescent and adult social media influencers in SRHR communication and provides mentorship for content creation. Adult champions, including parents and community leaders from Pasig and Navotas, will also participate in workshops to support and amplify the campaign’s message.

DESPITE attempts by the Land Bank of the Philippines to rule out any irregularity in its handling of nearly half a billion pesos in cash that was released to a government contractor from DPWH funds, Senator Francis Pancratius ‘Kiko’ N. Pangilinan said the government-owned bank fell short of its duties in helping enforce policies to prevent money laundering.

At the plenary session last Tuesday, the senator highlighted the irregularity in Landbank’s release of P457 million in cash within two days.

‘These are all very legalese,’ Pangilinan said in response to a question posed by Senator Ana Theresia ‘Risa’ N. Hontiveros. ‘And if we’re going to use legalese language in order to gloss over the fact that, no matter how you look at it: two days, cash transactions, P457 million-how can that, in any way, be unsuspicious or regular?’

The senator expressed alarm over LandBank’s statement that it faithfully and strictly adhered to existing Philippine banking laws and regulations.

‘Ang tanong: Ibig sabihin ba dahil walang mali sa paglabas ng P457 million cash sa dalawang araw ay mauulit ito? Pwedeng gawin ito dahil to quote, sumunod sila ‘faithfully and strictly’ sa lahat ng existing PH banking laws and regulations?’

[Does this mean that, because they claim there’s nothing wrong in the release of P457 million in cash over two days, this can be repeated? That this can be done again because, to quote, they ‘faithfully and strictly followed’ all existing PH banking laws and regulations?]

Pangilinan added: ‘We beg to disagree. Dapat sana sinabi nila sa kanilang statement ‘maghahanap kami ng paraan para hindi na mangyari ulit ito.” [They should have said in their statement, we will find a way to ensure this does not happen again.]

The senator reminded government banking institutions of their responsibilities given that they’re managing taxpayers’ money being squandered away instead of being used for food, education, health, and livelihood.

‘The only thing I ask of LandBank and whoever drafted their statement, and all of us whose salaries are paid for by the people, is for us to have a mindset of, ‘for the people, we offer every working day, every peso that comes in and out of government banks, is for the Filipino, ouir countrymen,’ Pangilinan continued, partly in Filipino. ‘It is not enough to not do bad but we must not stand idly by while bad is happening, or while bad is already being exposed to everyone. Pakiusap po ito: Please, Landbank, let us do better for our people.’

The senator, in response to a question about possible amendments to existing laws, said that there must be ‘a different set of rules and regulations’ for government banks such as the Landbank and the Development Bank of the Philippines.

Pangilinan also pushed for looking into amending the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) after he flagged both the LandBank and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) for neglecting the suspicious transaction report generated for the P457-million transaction.

‘Shouldn’t they [AMLC] have called LandBank to seek the details? And if AMLC didn’t call, then Landbank should have called AMLC to ask, ‘What should be done with this? P457 million in cash is being withdrawn from the funds of [the] DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways]?,” the senator said.

Pangilinan was referring to the cash withdrawn by Syms Construction Trading Inc. owner Sally N. Santos, one of the DPWH contractors involved in the multi-billion infrastructure corruption issue. The money was meant for former DPWH Bulacan 1st District Assistant Engineer Brice Ericson D. Hernandez, who had admitted to Senate probers that their engineering district was deeply involved in the systematic diversion of huge chunks of funds for flood-control projects, for kickbacks of officials, including lawmakers.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved House Resolution 320, formally requesting the Senate’s consent to extend its plenary session until October 13, 2025, to pass the 2026 P6.793-trillion General Appropriations Bill (GAB).

The move seeks to provide lawmakers additional time to deliberate on and approve the 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) on third and final reading.

‘The leadership of the House of Representatives, representing both the majority and minority, have agreed to request the consent of the Senate for the extension of its session beyond the date indicated in the adopted Concurrent Resolution on the Legislative Calendar. There is a need to conduct one additional session day on October 13, 2025, to vote on the third and final reading of the General Appropriations Bill,’ the resolution said.

‘Following the expected approval of the GAB on second reading on October 10, 2025, members of the House of Representatives will require the constitutionally mandated period of three days to study and review the final version of the bill prior to nominal voting on the third and final reading, in accordance with the legislative process and to ensure informed and deliberate decision-making,’ it added.

Under Section 26(2) of Article VI of the Constitution, ‘No bill passed by either House shall become a law unless it has passed three readings on separate days and printed copies thereof in its final form had been distributed to its Members three days before its passage, except when the President certifies to the necessity of its immediate enactment.’

Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III explained that the chamber needs more session days to ensure the passage of a ‘clean’ budget before transmitting it to the Senate. He emphasized that budget legislation remains Congress’ top priority despite ongoing controversies surrounding alleged irregular projects and insertions.

Originally, the House planned to conclude plenary deliberations this week, with October 10 earmarked for the period of amendments to House Bill (HB) 4058, or the proposed 2026 GAB.

The extension will allow the chamber to complete its work on agency budgets and finalize the measure before adjournment. The GAB will then be transmitted to the Senate, with a bicameral conference committee later convened to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions.

Under the 1987 Constitution, failure by Congress to pass the budget before year-end would result in the automatic reenactment of the previous year’s appropriations.

With the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) expected to issue multiple complaints and recommendations, a lawmaker has called on the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to fast-track the appointment of the next Ombudsman, a post left vacant since the retirement of Samuel Martires in July.

House Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist Rep. Leila M. De Lima issued the call following the recommendation of the ICI to the Ombudsman for the filing of criminal and administrative charges against former Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co and 17 others over the alleged P290-million flood control project anomaly in Oriental Mindoro.

‘In light of massive issues of corruption our country faces today, there is an urgent need for the appointment of the regular Ombudsman, as the agency will certainly receive many complaints and recommendations from the ICI,’ De Lima said.

‘Given the widespread collusion and the number of lawmakers and government officials implicated in these anomalous flood control projects, the Office of the Ombudsman needs a regular appointee who can fully focus on the growing number of cases,’ she added.

During the House plenary deliberations on the proposed 2026 budget of the Office of the Ombudsman on September 24, De Lima stressed the need for the agency to act promptly, be more transparent, and be more receptive to complaints of graft and corruption.

‘As the ICI investigation progresses, it is expected to recommend additional complaints to the Office of the Ombudsman. With other corruption cases, this will certainly keep their office busy-underscoring the urgent need for an ombudsman to lead the process,’ the lawmaker reiterated.

De Lima also pressed the Office of the Ombudsman to address the unnecessary and unfortunate dismissal of cases due to inordinate delays in fulfilling its mandate under the Constitution.

‘As the country’s Tanodbayan, the Ombudsman should champion the government’s anti-corruption efforts. It must be swift, serious, and fair in filing solid cases against erring public officials who plunder the nation’s wealth,’ De Lima said.

‘The appointment of a new Ombudsman should no longer be delayed. It is crucial to ensure accountability, advance pending cases, and deliver long-overdue justice to the Filipino people,’ she said.