MANILA, Nov. 24 -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) has secured Senate support for its proposed PHP3.718-billion budget for 2026.

In a news release on Monday, the DOT said the lawmakers approved the agency's allocation in just over an hour during plenary deliberations on Nov. 21.

The bulk of the budget - PHP3.19 billion - is earmarked for the Office of the Secretary.

Meanwhile, its attached agencies will receive the following: PHP159 million for the Intramuros Administration, PHP320 million for the National Parks Development Committee, and PHP44.9 million for the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving.

Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito and Sen. Erwin Tulfo, who both interpellated during the session, expressed full support...