Ping Lacson Reacts to Lawmakers’ Emotional Budget Celebration
PING LACSON – The senator said the public should wait for the Senate’s version of the ₱7.2-trillion national budget for 2027, warning that more debate lies ahead over the proposed spending plan.
Lacson made the statement in a post on X after a video showing lawmakers crying and celebrating in the House of Representatives went viral following the budget’s approval on second reading on October 7, 2026.
Nueva Ecija 1st District Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing was among those who became emotional after the vote. The scene drew criticism from some members of the public, who questioned the lawmakers’ reactions to the approval of the country’s largest proposed national budget.
On October 12, the House of Representatives approved the ₱7.2-trillion budget on its third and final reading, allowing the measure to move forward for Senate review.
In his post, Lacson said the public should wait for the Senate’s version, suggesting that the next stage could bring major changes to the proposed budget.
The senator said the Senate plans to restore hundreds of billions of pesos in budget cuts and make adjustments to certain allocations. He also pointed to Foreign-Assisted Projects, warning that changes affecting these projects could result in significant financial costs and consequences.
Lacson’s remarks highlighted the differences that may arise between the House and Senate versions of the spending plan. Both chambers must agree on a final version before the proposed budget can be sent to the president for approval.
The 2027 national budget will determine how the government allocates public funds for infrastructure, education, health care, social services, and other national programs. The Senate’s review will focus on the proposed allocations and possible adjustments before lawmakers work to reconcile the two versions.
