Senate OKs DILG’s P308.2-B budget

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has secured the Senate’s approval of its proposed P308.2-billion budget for 2026 during plenary debates on Thursday, reflecting strong legislative support for programs on local governance, peace and order, and public safety.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who attended the budget hearing with members of the DILG Family, thanked senators for their continued commitment to strengthening public safety and local governance.

Senator JV Ejercito, Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, sponsored the budget and underscored that the chamber remains fully committed to both uniformed and civilian personnel of the Department.

From the original P285.4-billion National Expenditure Program (NEP), the Senate Committee on Finance recommended increasing the DILG’s allocation by nearly 8 percent, or P22.6 billion, bringing the total to P308.2 billion.

The hike is intended to support the 283,000 uniformed personnel under the DILG, strengthen the operational capabilities of the Philippine National Police (PNP), and bolster the programs and services of its attached agencies.

The budget also includes funding for 65 new fire stations and the procurement of 65 additional fire trucks for the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), closing remaining capability gaps and equipping LGUs with adequate firefighting capacity.

Under the Senate-approved version of the DILG’s 2026 budget, the PNP will receive the largest allocation at P225.8 billion, followed by the BFP with P36.2 billion and the BJMP with P31.3 billion.

Other approved allocations include:

• DILG Office of the Secretary – P8.5 billion

• National Police Commission – P2.5 billion

• National Commission on Muslim Filipinos – P1.2 billion

• Philippine Public Safety College – P1.2 billion

• Local Government Academy – P544 million

• Early Childhood Care and Development Center – P357 million

• National Youth Commission – P315 million

• Philippine Commission on Women – P205 million

The DILG reaffirmed its shared commitment with the Senate in advancing sound governance, strengthening public accountability, and safeguarding peace and order nationwide.