Pasay city: The bicameral conference committee on House Bill No. 4058, known as the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act, began its formal deliberations on Saturday at the Philippine International Convention Center. This event marked the inaugural instance of a national budget bicameral conference being livestreamed and accessible to the public.
According to Philippines News Agency, the meeting was initiated by Senate Committee on Finance Chairperson Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, heading the Senate panel, alongside House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Nueva Ecija 1st District Representative Mikaela Angela Suansing. The objective of the bicameral conference committee is to reconcile conflicting elements of the proposed PHP6.793-trillion national budget for 2026, with discussions projected to last two days.
In his opening address, Gatchalian highlighted the significance of the bicameral conference as Congress' key legislative exercise annually. He stated that Congress gathers as a unified entity to finalize its crucial legislation at the bicam, discussing diverse perspectives from each chamber and aligning their fiscal priorities to create a national budget that is coherent and transparent.
Gatchalian acknowledged that the 2026 national budget discussions are occurring under unusual circumstances, referencing public trust issues following corruption scandals associated with flood control projects. He emphasized the need for Congress to repair the social contract with the Filipino people, noting that both chambers have intensified transparency measures by livestreaming the budget discussions for public viewing.
Gatchalian also stressed the constitutional responsibility of the bicameral conference in aligning the House-passed appropriations bill with Senate amendments, expressing optimism that the process would reflect the people's will.
Meanwhile, Suansing remarked that the bicam represents the House's promise since August to open and livestream the proceedings, even before budget discussions began. She emphasized that this measure will ensure that the 2026 budget is transparent, with adequate safeguards against misuse, while providing funds for projects that address public needs.
Suansing assured that the Congress is committed to making the 2026 budget impactful for every Filipino, addressing national needs and earning public trust.
