Manila, Philippines – House lawmakers gave assurances that the upcoming bicameral conference proceedings on the 2026 national budget will be livestreamed as originally planned.
The remarks dispelled claims by Senator Erwin Tulfo that some members of the lower chamber had been opposing the livestreaming.
The bicameral proceedings have been set for Dec. 12-14 after the Senate approved the budget bill on third and final reading on Tuesday afternoon.
“I don’t think there should be any questions about it. Wala pa kaming nakikita, naririnig, o nakakausap na House member who wants na matanggal yang livestream na ‘yan,” Manila 1st district Rep. Ernesto Dionisio, Jr. told a press briefing on Wednesday, Dec. 10.
[TRANSLATION: We have not seen, heard of or talked to any House member who wants that livestream plan removed.]
“From the very beginning, klaro yung direction ng House, ila-livestream yan from the pre-budget deliberation… Ang gusto namin transparent yung proseso,” Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said during the same briefing.
[TRANSLATION: From the very beginning, the direction from the House is clear that the livestream will be in place from the pre-budget deliberation… We want the process to be transparent.]
Adiong said the House composition of the bicam is still up in the air. The Senate has finalized its membership.
“I am sure the leadership will come out with the exact numbers and who are the congressmen or women that will be part of the bicam contingent from the House,” the lawmaker said.
