Manila, Dec. 22 -- The Senate has extended its session calendar to give lawmakers more time to review the proposed 2026 national budget, as Senate President Vicente Sotto III reiterated the chamber's policy against what he called "blind ratification."

During the regular session on Monday, the Senate approved a motion by Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri to move the resumption of session from Dec. 22 to Dec. 29 and the adjournment from Dec. 23 to Dec. 30, to allow the completion of the bicameral conference committee report and the preparation of the enrolled bill for the 2026 General Appropriations Act.

"There is a motion by the distinguished Majority Leader to amend the legislative calendar. So, if there is no objection, hearing none, ...