MANILA — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday dismissed claims that the 2026 national budget was crafted to include funding for an impeachment bid against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, clarified that deliberations on the General Appropriations Act (GAA) focused strictly on fiscal priorities and not on political maneuvering. “Well, in my case, hindi namin napag-usapan ‘yung impeachment, hindi namin napag-usapan ‘yung political side of things. Ang pinag-usapan lang namin is ‘yung budgetary requirements, as well as ‘yung impact to the people,” he said in a press briefing.

The senator’s statement came after Senator Imee Marcos suggested in a Facebook video that certain budget cuts and reallocations could be linked to preparations for an impeachment trial against Duterte. Marcos pointed to reductions in foreign-assisted projects of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), including the Metro Manila Subway and North-South Commuter Railway, which dropped from ₱121.5 billion to ₱49.2 billion. She also cited cuts in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) foreign-assisted projects, from ₱70 billion to ₱17 billion.

Marcos contrasted these reductions with increases in other offices, speculating that the adjustments might be tied to political moves. Gatchalian, however, rejected the insinuation. “Kanya-kanyang tao, kanya-kanyang theory ‘no? So, I cannot comment on her theory,” he said.

The Palace also weighed in, saying it is prepared to face petitions questioning the constitutionality of the 2026 budget. Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro noted that critics have the right to challenge provisions before the Supreme Court, particularly those involving unprogrammed appropriations. “Kapag sila ay nag-file ng petition, sasagot ang administration at tingnan natin kung ano ang magiging decision ng Korte Suprema,” Castro said.

Vice President Duterte has yet to issue a statement on the matter, but her allies in Congress have previously decried what they described as politically motivated attacks. The impeachment issue has been a recurring topic since 2024, when questions were raised about her office’s confidential funds.

For now, Gatchalian stressed that the 2026 budget was designed to address pressing national needs, including infrastructure, education, and social services. “The focus was always on how the budget can impact the people positively,” he said.

Noise in Politics Creates Confusion in Priorities

The 2026 Philippine national budget has become the subject of loud political speculation. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian firmly denies that the General Appropriations Act was shaped for an impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte. Critics, led by Senator Imee Marcos, insist otherwise and point to deep infrastructure cuts as supposed proof.

That kind of talk may excite partisan crowds. But it distracts ordinary Filipinos from the real issue.

Every peso in the GAA 2026 carries impact on daily life. Funding for infrastructure Philippines affects trains, roads, and ports. Education funding determines classrooms, teachers, and learning materials. Transportation projects shape jobs and economic growth. These are fiscal priorities meant to serve people, not political theories.

When budget debates turn into rumor mills, the public becomes confused. Agencies become uncertain. Citizens lose sight of how budget cuts and reallocations truly affect national needs.

The Palace reminds critics they can question the constitutionality of the 2026 budget before the Supreme Court. That legal path is proper. Facebook videos and conspiracy claims are not.

The country needs sharp focus on facts, on programs, and on services. The real victim of budget rumors is always the public who depend on responsible fiscal strategy.

Do Filipinos gain anything when politicians argue about motives instead of real budget priorities?