House adopts resolution for public bicameral budget deliberations

The House of Representatives adopted House Concurrent Resolution No. 8, mandating that all bicameral conference committee deliberations on the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) for the 2026 budget be open to the public, either in person or through digital livestreaming.

This resolution signifies the House's commitment to transparency in budget deliberations, addressing calls for greater public access to these proceedings.

According to ML party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, this measure aims to prevent a repetition of irregularities that occurred during the bicameral deliberations for the 2025 GAB.

House Committee on Appropriations Vice Chairperson Zia Alonto Adiong stated that the push for an open bicameral conference committee is part of procedural reforms initiated during the early part of the 20th Congress.

Nueva Ecija 1st District Rep. Mikaela Suansing reiterated the House's long-standing advocacy for open bicameral meetings and refuted claims of obstruction, noting ongoing discussions with Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on the practical implementation of livestreaming.