DOCUMENT: Bicam 2026 report shows House, Senate budget proposal differences

Both chambers of Congress on Monday, December 29, ratified the 2026 bicameral budget report after days of deliberations that stretched past midnight.

For the first time, the proceedings were livestreamed in response to public pressure for greater transparency amid the flood control and infrastructure corruption scandal.

The document below compares the House and Senate budget proposals for 2026, and the figures agreed upon by both chambers in the bicameral conference.

See below how the bicam allocated the P6.793-trillion budget for 2026, as well as the amendments and special provisions introduced by lawmakers:

Congress also released a general summary of amendments by departments and agencies. See the 2026 bicam report below:

The bicameral conference committee has approved a larger 2026 budget for the social amelioration program, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations, a move critics say could fuel patronage politics.

In addition, P243 billion in unprogrammed appropriations were granted to the Marcos administration. These standby funds have drawn criticism for allegedly allowing discretionary spending by both Congress and the executive branch.

The bicam was plagued by last-minute appeals from several government agencies to adjust their respective budgets. – Rappler.com