Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced that the upcoming bicameral conference committee (bicam) deliberations on the 2026 national budget will be livestreamed. This initiative marks a first in Philippine legislative history and aims to prevent last-minute insertions and backroom ‘small committee’ deals that have historically caused controversy.
According to Philippines News Agency, this will be the first time bicam budget deliberations are opened to the public. Budget Undersecretary Goddes Hope Libiran emphasized that these proceedings are typically closed-door sessions held by Congress without executive participation, and expressed full support for the transparency of livestreaming.
In a media briefing held in Malaca±ang, President Marcos highlighted that all appropriations in the current version of the General Appropriations Bill (GAB), passed by the House of Representatives, align with the executive’s National Expenditure Program. He assured that there are no projects outside the socio-economic development plan, noting that both farm-to-market roads and school buildings are integrated into the general plan.
President Marcos emphasized the executive branch’s commitment to closely monitor the remaining steps in the budget process, which include the Senate deliberations and the bicam’s reconciliation of differing versions from both chambers. He has secured agreement from Senate President Vicente Sotto III and House Speaker Faustino Dy III to broadcast the full proceedings, underscoring that the bicam is intended to be a public hearing.
The move to livestream the sessions is part of a broader effort to enhance transparency amid increased public scrutiny of government spending. Recent revelations of alleged inflated and fictitious flood control projects have spurred lifestyle checks and an investigation by the newly formed Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).