House Deputy Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong expressed confidence that the bicameral conference committee will complete its work on the proposed 2026 national budget in time for ratification next week, avoiding what he described as the “worst-case scenario” of a reenacted budget.
In an ambush interview, Adiong said both the House and Senate contingents are now aligned in pushing for the timely conclusion of bicameral deliberations.
“I think the [bicam] is really eager to finish this up before next week, because next week would be the ratification,” the veteran legislator said.
“I get the sense that the [bicam] is now attuned, both the House contingent and the Senate. Both of them are tuned to finishing this up. So we are expecting that the bicameral report will be out next week for the ratification of both houses,” the seasoned lawmaker added.
He noted that Malacañang has also made clear its opposition to a reenacted budget, a position he said lawmakers share.
“That would probably, if you ask me personally, be the worst case that would happen — a reenacted budget.”
“I think I gathered that Malacañang also made mention, correct me if I’m wrong, that they don’t want a reenacted budget. And we all share that, the sentiment of Malacañang,” Adiong said. “That would probably, if you ask me personally, be the worst case that would happen — a reenacted budget.”
He warned that a reenacted budget would derail major increases in education funding already adopted during bicameral deliberations.
“Because there are projects and programs that have already been accomplished this year, especially that in 2026, remember the [bicam] adopted and approved to increase of funding for our educational sector,” Adiong said.
“So if there’s a reenacted budget, mawawala po ‘yung almost a trillion or more than a trillion kung hindi ako nagkakamali na pondo po sa ating mga estudyante, sa ating edukasyon kung magkakaroon po tayo ng reenacted budget,” he explained.
Adiong added that even a short delay would create funding distortions, as some programs funded in 2025 have already been completed.
“Isa rin ‘yun. Kasi may mga programa din po, may mga projects din po na natapos in 2025 tapos hindi na dapat paglaanan pa ng pondo sa 2026,” he said. “So that would be the worst case scenario that might happen.”
Addressing questions on delays linked to unresolved Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) items, Adiong said these are being addressed openly under the livestreamed bicameral process.
He said bicam members are now working to resolve the remaining DPWH funding issues.
“Ang sabi naman nila they’re now sorting this out doon sa issue noong sa DPWH request for the restoration of a certain amount to the DPWH budget,” Adiong said. “We were hopeful that we will finish this up. It’s just part of really why the bicam should be there in the first place.”
Meanwhile, he said allegations surrounding previous budgets should be backed by evidence but stressed that the priority is ensuring passage of the 2026 budget before yearend.
“Well, those allegations are meant to be substantiated with evidence but my point is this, in 2026 budget, there’s a tremendous amount allotted, budget, allotted for the educational sector. Sayang ‘yun kung mawawala lang ‘yun in 2026,” Adiong said.
He said progress in the bicameral talks has been clear and assurances have been given that the budget will be transmitted to the President on time.
“We are confident that the both House contingent and the Senate contingent would finally reset, settle and reconcile all these disagreeing provisions.”
“We are confident that the both House contingent and the Senate contingent would finally reset, settle and reconcile all these disagreeing provisions,” Adiong said.
“Nagbigay naman sila ng assurance na they will really push for the approval of the, you know, the budget for 2026 so that the President can sign it before the end of this year,” he concluded.
