Manila, Dec. 12 -- Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday said the Senate is poised to fulfill President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Christmas wish for a "good budget," assuring that the chamber remains on track to pass the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) on time despite adjustments in the bicameral conference schedule.

Marcos, in his newly released BBM Podcast Episode 6, said he wished for two things this Christmas season: more time with his family and a favorable national budget for next year.

When asked what tangible gift he hopes for, the President replied, "That the legislature will provide us a good budget."

Gatchalian said the Senate's version of the spending plan reflects that expectation, noting that it strengthens transparency...