PB to tackle Capitol’s 2026 budget in special session

Local

WHILE the Capitol continues to operate under last year’s spending plan, the Cebu Provincial Board is preparing to finally decide the fate of its proposed P11.9-billion budget for 2026.

Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco confirmed that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) will hold a special session on Wednesday, Jan. 7, to take up the measure for third and final reading.

The session is scheduled ahead of the board’s regular resumption on January 19, 2026, after the Sinulog festivities.

“As per our legislative calendar, our regular session is still on January 19, 2026. Mao g’yud na siyay regular legislative calendar sa SP even when I was a board member,” Soco said.

The provincial government’s regular sessions traditionally resume after the Sinulog festivities, a practice that has been followed by the SP for years.

Part of the delay in finalizing the 2026 budget has been procedural, as the appropriation ordinance must first be formally transmitted through the SP secretary before legislators can act on it.

Soco explained that the ordinance had not yet been submitted when the board reconvened, which prevented immediate deliberation.

The board approved the proposed 2026 budget on second reading during its final session for 2025 on December 22.

During that session, members were allowed to propose amendments and adjustments, including fund transfers and reappropriations, ahead of third and final reading.

The P11.9-billion budget, sourced from the general fund, is intended to support provincial operations, including government-run hospitals, the Cebu North and South Bus Terminals, and the Cebu Provincial Inter-LGU Waterworks System Office.

A P178-million adjustment recommended by the committee on appropriations has drawn particular attention.

The committee clarified that the amount is being reallocated to priority items rather than removed from the budget.

Part of the P178 million may be used to acquire additional engineering equipment for provincial repair and maintenance teams.

The funds could also cover demolition of earthquake-damaged structures, clearing operations, and other urgent infrastructure repairs across the province.

The committee recommended the adjustment after identifying budget items that were recurring, redundant, or excessive across different provincial offices.

Once the 2026 budget is approved on third and final reading, the provincial government will be able to fully implement its planned programs and projects for the year.(MyTVCebu)