Malacañang on Wednesday said that the enrolled copy of the 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) will be submitted to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for his review and approval before Christmas Day.

“Sa ating pagkakaalam bago mag-Pasko ay isusumite nila iyong enrolled copy ng GAB (As far as we know, the enrolled copy of the GAB will be submitted before Christmas),” Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said during a press briefing.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Senate approved House Bill 4058 on final reading with 17 affirmative votes, no negative votes, and zero abstentions. The measure had previously passed second reading on 4 December.

Following the Senate’s approval, a bicameral conference committee is set to resolve discrepancies between the House and Senate versions of the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026.

When asked if Marcos would certify the 2026 budget as urgent—a move he historically took with previous GABs—Castro clarified that there would be no urgency certification this time.

“Hindi ngayon (Not now),” she said, noting that the legislative process is already nearing completion.

Bicameral meetings are scheduled from 11 to 13 December, with the signing of the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) targeted for 29 December.