Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa was absent during the second day of the bicameral conference committee hearings deliberating on the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026, according to official attendance records from the session.
The bicameral conference committee was convened after the Senate and the House of Representatives approved differing versions of the national budget measure. Under Philippine legislative procedure, such a committee is tasked with reconciling conflicting provisions to produce a single, unified budget bill that will eventually be submitted to the President for approval. The 2026 national budget outlines funding allocations for key government priorities, including public education, healthcare services, infrastructure development, and national security.
The second hearing was intended to build on the initial session, where lawmakers from both chambers began comparing sector-by-sector allocations proposed by the Senate and the House. Discussions focused on identifying discrepancies, clarifying funding priorities, and determining possible adjustments to ensure that the final budget reflects consensus between the two legislative bodies.
Sen. Bato Dela Rosa Absent from Second Day of Bicameral Talks on 2026 National Budget
While other members of the bicameral panel from both chambers were present and continued the deliberations, Senator Dela Rosa was marked absent during the proceedings. No explanation for his non-attendance was given during the hearing, nor was any statement issued at the time regarding the reason for his absence.
Despite the absence of one member, the committee proceeded with its work, emphasizing the urgency of completing the reconciliation process within the set legislative timetable. Lawmakers reiterated the importance of passing a timely and balanced national budget, noting that delays could affect the implementation of government programs and projects at the start of the fiscal year.
The bicameral conference committee is expected to hold additional meetings in the coming weeks to finalize unresolved items and polish the consolidated version of the budget bill. Once approved by both chambers, the measure will be transmitted to Malacañang for presidential review and possible signing into law.
As deliberations continue, attention remains on how lawmakers will align spending priorities amid competing national needs, with the final outcome set to shape the government’s policy direction and service delivery for 2026.
