Bicam budget meeting could be held in new Centro de Turismo Intramuros museum— Win Gatchalian

The bicameral conference committee meeting for the 2026 national budget could be held in the new Centro de Turismo Intramuros in Manila, Senate Committee on Finance chairperson Sherwin Gatchalian said Sunday.

In an interview with Super Radyo dzBB, Gatchalian said he recently inspected the historical tourism hub, where the bicam meeting could take place in its museum.

“Government facility siya kaya mas mura ang charge sa amin pero nila-lobby ko nga kuhg pwede libre na lang. Pangalawa, museum siya so makikita ng ibang mambabatas yung napakagandang museum,” Gatchalian said.

(It’s a government facility, so it’s more affordable, but I’m lobbying for it to be used for free. Second, other legislators will get to see the very beautiful museum.)

Centro de Turismo Intramuros was opened on June 12, 2024, coinciding with the Philippines' observance of the country’s 126th Independence Day.

In October, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said the bicam meeting for the national budget would be livestreamed to “further encourage transparency” after alleged corruption transpired from anomalous flood control projects on a national level.

Gatchalian said the documents on the 2026 national budget are uploaded on the Senate’s and the House of Representatives’ respective websites for the public to follow the process.

On Thursday, the Senate formally approved on second reading the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget for fiscal year 2026.

Gatchalian said the Senate will tackle the budget’s third reading on Tuesday, December 9.

On October 13, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading its version of the proposed P6.793 trillion national budget for 2026 under HB 4058.

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III on Saturday said senators will not allow any last-minute insertions in the proposed 2026 national budget as both chambers of Congress prepare to convene the bicameral conference committee next week. — RF, GMA Integrated News