Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano said he will push “game-changer” amendments in the 2026 budget when bicam talks begin this weekend, focusing on rural development and stronger LGU support.
Cayetano said the Senate’s version, which he and SenatorJoel Villanueva voted against, remains too centered on Metro Manila and still lacks funding for rural growth, mass transport, and climate resilience.
He urged negotiators to revive long-delayed railways outside NCR — including the Mindanao Railway and the Subic–Clark Railway — saying even initial work would trigger major private investments and unlock regional economic growth.
“Nag-a-agree tayo na dapat mag-decentralize, dapat hindi panay sa Metro Manila ang mga programa, dapat train over cars, but the budget is not reflecting that,” according to him.
The senator from Taguig also pressed for reforms in the Local Government Support Fund, arguing that calamity-hit LGUs should receive funds directly instead of going through layers of national-level red tape and politics.
The Minority bloc also flagged gaps in primary healthcare, anti-stunting efforts, tourism funding, and PhilHealth support. Bicam meetings run from December 12 to 14.IMT
