Manila: Lawmakers are targeting the completion of bicameral conference committee deliberations on the proposed 2026 national budget by Wednesday, as both chambers move to finalize computations and transmit the measure to Malaca±ang ahead of the New Year. After concluding the third day of the conference on Tuesday, Senate Committee on Finance chairperson Sherwin Gatchalian said the next phase of the bicam process would focus on consolidating the budget 'physically and computation-wise.'

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian mentioned in an interview that they aim to finish the process the following day. He emphasized that the subsequent step involves organizing the budget both physically and in terms of computation. Scheduling concerns were discussed with House Appropriations Committee chairperson Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing, particularly as lawmakers begin their holiday breaks and quorum becomes crucial for ratification. Gatchalian pointed out the challenge of maintaining quorum, especially since many members have started their vacations, noting that the House, with its 318 members, faces a bigger challenge compared to the Senate's 24 members.

Suansing reported that the bicam approved the budgets of at least 20 agencies during the third day of deliberations, with about 11 agencies remaining. She expressed optimism about concluding the panel's work on time, stating her confidence in finishing the bicam the following day. Suansing highlighted the collaborative efforts of both chambers to prevent a reenacted budget and ensure that the President has ample time to review the spending measure. She assured that all necessary measures are being taken to enable the President to sign the budget before the New Year.