LIVE UPDATES: Bicam hearing for proposed 2026 national budget (Dec. 17, 2025)

The Bicameral Conference Committee on Wednesday resumed its deliberations on the proposed P6.793 trillion budget for 2026.

The committee on Tuesday night agreed to defer discussions on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget.

Senate finance panel chairperson Senator Win Gatchalian cited the ongoing recomputation of the material costs of the DPWH projects following a revised submission from DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon.

Meanwhile, the bicam has approved the 2026 proposed budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) at P889.2 million. It has also approved a P63.9-billion budget for the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis (AICS) program for 2026, which is a P37-billion increase from the original proposal of P26.9 billion under the National Expenditure Program.

Here's the latest on Wednesday's bicam deliberations:

—VAL, GMA Integrated News