Bicam Raises MAIFIP Budget to ₱51B Amid Backlash over ‘Pork’ Programs

Bicam raises MAIFIP budget to ₱51B amid backlash over ‘pork’ programs

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Health’s (DOH) controversial health aid program had its budget increased to P51 billion at the bicameral conference committee level despite clamor from civil society watchdogs to cut all funding for pork and patronage programs. If signed into law, the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) Program will even see a higher budget next year compared to the P42 billion it g…

Imee asks bicam: Why is DPWH budget not part of first day of deliberations?

Imee asks bicam: Why is DPWH budget not part of first day of deliberations?

First live budget bicam deliberations open

MANILA, Philippines — The Bicameral Conference Committee convened on Saturday to reconcile disagreeing provisions of the proposed ₱6.793-trillion national budget for 2026, with leaders from the Senate and House of Representatives pledging transparency, constitutional fidelity, and public accountability amid heightened scrutiny over government spending.The bicameral meeting at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) marks the start …

LIVESTREAM: Bicameral conference committee deliberations on the 2026 budget

MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives and the Senate begin the bicameral conference committee deliberations on the proposed 2026 national budget on Saturday, December 13. For the first time, both houses of Congress agreed to livestream the entire proceedings, heeding the call for transparency following the flood control projects scandal linked to budget insertions. Watch our livestream of the deliberations, scheduled to begin at 2 p…

Bicam hearing for proposed 2026 national budget

The Bicameral Conference Committee on Saturday, December 13, will begin its deliberations on the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026, as the House of Representatives and the Senate work to reconcile differences between their respective versions.