MANILA — The House of Representatives moved to keep work on the proposed 2026 national budget on track after the Senate panel failed to attend a scheduled bicameral conference committee meeting, with most House conferees already assembled at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

House Committee on Appropriations Chair Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing said the House remains confident it can meet the budget timeline and avoid a re-enacted budget despite the postponement of bicam talks.

“We will work doubly hard between now and Dec. 22. If need be, we may need to push a little bit but the goal is for it not to cross into the next calendar year. Ayaw po natin ang re-enacted budget. Hopefully, ‘yun ang tinitignan talaga natin. We don’t want it to come to that,” Suansing said in a press conference at the PICC.

She said House leaders and conferees were present and ready to proceed to meet the Dec. 22 deadline for ratifying the bicam report.

“As you can see… walo sa labing-isa na mga kinatawan ng bicam sa parte ng Kongreso ay nandito na sa PICC. Handa na po kami na ituloy itong bicameral conference committee proceedings,” Suansing said.

Suansing noted that the House adjusted its session calendar, originally set to go on Christmas break on Dec. 17, to comply with the agreed timeline.

“May timeline na gustong sundin. Nakita nyo naman po in-adjust ang kalendaryo ng sesyon na dapat sa Dec. 22 ay ma-ratify na sa parehong chamber, sa parehong kapulungan ‘yun pong ating bicam report,” she said.

“Marami pa pong mga ahensya na tatalakayin kaya bawat araw po talaga ay mahalaga para matapos natin ang budget sa tamang oras,” she added.

Earlier, Senate Finance Committee Chair Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian announced the postponement of Monday’s bicam hearing, citing a deadlock over the proposed 2026 budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Suansing said the House was informed of the Senate’s decision only after House conferees had already mobilized to the PICC.

“What was relayed to me was the decision already that the Senate wants to postpone it,” she said.

She added that the House made clear that consultations with the Department of Public Works and Highways and Secretary Vince Dizon could continue without stopping bicam deliberations.

“All of us are here, we all believe that we should continue discussions. We can do the consultations with Sec. Vince and DPWH while we’re proceeding with the bicam,” Suansing said.

She stressed that budget issues are best resolved through open and collective discussions.

“Mas maganda po sana na lahat kami nasa iisang lugar para po talakayin ang mga katanungan… mas maganda na matalakay namin ‘yun.”