The bicameral conference committee tasked with reconciling the disagreeing provisions of the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026 has reset its highly anticipated deliberations, with lawmakers now aiming for a major session to commence on December 13.
The schedule adjustment comes as the Senate and the House of Representatives push to finalize the General Appropriations Act before Congress adjourns for the holiday break.
Both chambers have already approved Concurrent Resolution No. 7, extending their session until December 23 to allow the bicameral body ample time to produce the final measure.
The extended timeline is crucial, according to legislative leaders, who have committed to ratifying the complete enrolled bill instead of just a summary of the bicameral report.
This process requires additional time for printing and verification to ensure accuracy and transparency before the measure is sent to the President for signing, which is tentatively targeted for December 29.
The upcoming conference, which seeks to bridge differences in the Senate’s version and the House-approved budget bill, is set to be historic for its commitment to openness.
Senate and House contingents have vowed to hold fully transparent and livestreamed proceedings, a move intended to restore public trust and deter irregularities that have previously marred budget deliberations.
Key differences needing resolution include funding allocations, particularly for the education sector, which saw varying appropriations in the two versions of the spending plan.
The bicameral committee will work to harmonize these differences, with some reports indicating sessions could run through the weekend to ensure the bill’s timely passage.