The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) successfully secured the Senate’s approval of its proposed P308.2-billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026 during plenary debates on Thursday, underscoring the legislative body’s robust commitment to strengthening local governance, peace and order, and public safety across the nation.
The approved figure represents a substantial increase of P22.6 billion, or nearly 8%, from the original P285.4-billion National Expenditure Program (NEP) proposal, as recommended by the Senate Committee on Finance.
Senator JV Ejercito, Vice Chairperson of Subcommittee F of the Senate Committee on Finance, sponsored the budget, emphasizing the chamber’s full commitment to both the uniformed and civilian personnel serving under the Department.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who was present during the hearing, expressed profound gratitude for the Senate’s decision. “This steadfast commitment from the Senate strengthens our resolve to deliver effective public safety and local governance programs. The support validates the hard work of the entire DILG family, both uniformed and civilian, who dedicate themselves daily to safeguarding our communities,” said Secretary Remulla.
The significant budget increase is strategically aimed at supporting the Department’s 283,000 uniformed personnel and bolstering the operational capabilities, programs, and services of the DILG’s attached agencies.
A key allocation in the Senate version of the budget includes dedicated funding for the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to acquire 65 new fire stations and 65 additional fire trucks, a critical step toward closing the remaining gap and ensuring all Local Government Units (LGUs) nationwide are equipped with adequate firefighting capability.
In the approved 2026 budget, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will receive the largest share at P225.8 billion, followed by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) with P36.2 billion, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) with P31.3 billion.
Other significant appropriations include:
DILG Office of the Secretary: P8.5 billion
National Police Commission: P2.5 billion
National Commission on Muslim Filipinos: P1.2 billion
Philippine Public Safety College: P1.2 billion
Local Government Academy: P544 million
Early Childhood Care and Development Center: P357 million
National Youth Commission: P315 million
Philippine Commission on Women: P205 million
The Department reaffirms its shared commitment with the Senate to advance sound governance, strengthen public accountability, and relentlessly safeguard peace and order across the entire nation.
