For the first time in history, the Bicameral Conference Committee (Bicam) deliberations on the proposed 2026 national budget are being livestreamed, an initiative hailed as a step toward transparency. But observers say the gesture has been overshadowed by procedural delays and lingering concerns over accountability.

In an interview with DZBB Tuesday, AJ Montesa, adviser and spokesperson of the People’s Budget Coalition, expressed concern over the conduct of the Bicam.

“Yesterday, na-cancel ang Bicam. May deadlock, may impasse. Hindi makapag-agree ang Senado at House sa DPWH budget. Nung Sunday, na-delay ng dalawang oras ang pagsisimula ng Bicam meeting at nagkaroon ng 2 hours suspension tapos biglang itinigil na lang,” he said.

Montesa noted that while livestreaming is a historic step, transparency remains incomplete.

“Kasi ang punto ng livestream, nababantayan ng tao kung ano ang negosasyon nila, usapan nila, ngunit mukhang nag-uusap sila on the side… Sana itigil nila ang ganitong pagpo-pause at ipakita nila sa taumbayan kung paano sila nag-uusap tungkol sa DPWH budget,” he said.

The debate centers on ₱54 billion in DPWH funds, which Secretary Vince Dizon wants restored to the House version of the budget.

He criticized last-minute negotiations, questioning why the DPWH’s budget disputes were brought up only at the bicam stage.

“Last minute ito, bakit sa Bicam nila biglang ipinapasok ang usapang ito? ‘Yung Senate committee report, nangyari November 12 pa lang. Dapat nakita na ito ng DPWH, na kailangang i-recompute ito,” Montesa said.

Montesa also raised concerns about the House of Representatives’ handling of the budget.

“May mali talaga sa sistema natin na ‘yung interest ng congressman, hindi kasi dapat mamigay ng ayuda, mamigay ng project. Ang interest dapat nila ay gumawa ng batas… Magmumukhang hino-hostage ng HoR ang budget hanggang sa maibigay sa kanila ang DPWH.”

He emphasized the need for genuine transparency during livestreamed sessions: “Maganda na nila-livestream, nakikita. Pero kung ano ang proposal ng bawat kongresista, dapat nakikita ‘yun na individual at nasusuri ng mga tao ‘yun.”

The 2026 budget ratification deadline is set for 22 December.