ABS-CBN
Historic open budget bicam concluded, what comes next?
Lawmakers concluded the first-ever open-door bicameral conference committee meeting for the P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026 on Thursday, December 18, after four days of intensive deliberations.
The livestreamed meeting underscored a commitment to transparency, though unexpected delays extended the schedule.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian noted the difficulty of the open-door format due to increased participation but expressed optimism for future improvements.
Representative Mika Suansing stated that the deliberations were worthwhile, emphasizing the goal of ensuring the budget is trustworthy.
Due to the delays, the new deadline for ratification of the budget is December 29, with the President aiming to sign it before December 31.
Securing a quorum for ratification may still be challenging due to lawmakers' holiday vacation plans.
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The bicameral conference committee meeting to reconcile the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026 has been moved to December 13, 2025.
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The House of Representatives and the Senate began reconciling their differing versions of the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026 on December 13.
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