Manila, Sept. 4 -- The approval of the PHP6.793-trillion proposed 2026 national budget before the end of the year remains the Senate's top priority despite concerns from House leaders, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said Thursday.

"The approval of the 2026 budget remains a top priority of the Senate. We understand the concerns raised by House leaders," Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, said in a statement.

He added that the Senate will proceed with its budget briefings as scheduled to avoid delays in the budgeting process.

"Gusto nating maisabatas ang isang maayos at mapagkakatiwalaan na pambansang pondo para sa tuloy-tuloy na pag-angat ng ekonomiya" (We want to pass a proper and trustworthy national budget for contin...