Manila, Dec. 10 -- The Sangguniang Panlungsod (city council) passed the more than PHP4.5 billion 2026 general budget and PHP86.96 million budget for the local economic enterprises of Iloilo City during its regular session on Wednesday. In his committee report, Appropriations Committee chairperson Rex Marcus Sarabia said next year's budget is 8.62 percent higher than this year's budget.

Of the total estimated income, 55.13 percent is expected to be generated from local sources, while 44.87 percent is projected to come from external sources.

In a media interview, Sarabia said among the significant items in the budget are the PHP30 million allocation for the assistance to individuals in crisis situation, which increased from this year's PH...