DA, judiciary 2026 budgets approved

The Senate approved the proposed 2026 budgets for both the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Judiciary Department on Wednesday, moves that advance funding for national food security and judicial reform.

The Senate approved the DA’s budget request of P184.1 billion, with lawmakers signaling a willingness to increase the allocation further during the bicameral conference committee.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. thanked the senators for crossing party lines, stating the budget is crucial for stabilizing food supply and improving the welfare of farmers and fisherfolk.

“With the Senate’s approval, we can now plan and ensure everything is implemented properly, at the right cost, at the right time,” Laurel said.

The 2026 spending plan funds programs aimed at raising production efficiency, expanding market access, and modernizing the agricultural value chain.

A significant portion of the outlay will support capital investments such as post-harvest facilities and new farm-to-market roads, aligning with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s goal to curb food prices by reducing spoilage losses.

Though the sector accounts for only about 8 percent of the country’s GDP, it employs roughly one in every five Filipino workers. The budget covers major attached agencies including the National Food Authority and the Philippine Coconut Authority.

Separately, the Senate approved the Judiciary Department’s proposed 2026 budget of P67.7 billion was defended by Senator Francis Pangilinan.

Pangilinan disclosed that the goal is to provide sufficient funds while ensuring clear results in resolving case backlogs and personnel shortages.

The budget breakdown includes P58.1 billion for the Supreme Court and the Lower Courts, P5.7 billion for the Court of Appeals and P2.6 billion pesos for the Sandiganbayan.

Pangilinan cited that the Senate Committee Report retained most items but strengthened key areas, including an additional P160 million for the Office of the Judiciary Marshals to protect judges, personnel, and judicial assets.

The committee also added P39 million to expand the Unified Legal Aid Service Office, increasing access to legal aid for marginalized communities.

The senator also highlighted additional funding for the Judiciary’s digitalization efforts, including enabling nationwide e-filing and secure integration with justice sector agencies.

“This budget is not a luxury. These are meaningful investments to strengthen the Justice system,” Pangilinan said during deliberations.