The bicameral conference committee has approved an increase in funding for the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program to P63.8 billion for 2026, despite concerns over potential political misuse. Lawmakers also addressed last-minute requests from government agencies and approved budgets for over 20 agencies. Malacañang insists on passing a new budget to avoid reenacting the previous one.
The bicameral conference committee (bicam) continued deliberations on the proposed 2026 national budget on December 17, 2025, at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. Despite last-minute requests from government agencies, the bicam approved an increase in AICS funding from the Malacañang-proposed P26.9 billion to P63.8 billion. According to House appropriations committee chair Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing, the request came from DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian to accommodate an additional seven million beneficiaries, though limited by fiscal constraints.
Senate finance committee chair Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian supported the increase, citing disasters like earthquakes and typhoons Uwan, Tino, and Ramil that strained the program. However, Sen. Panfilo Lacson warned of the pattern of AICS funding surges in election years, rising from P18.2 billion in 2020 to P44.4 billion in 2025. "This is the pattern: ginagamit ito sa pulitika. Not needs-driven but driven by politics," Lacson said.
Sen. Erwin Tulfo proposed provisions to bar politicians from aid distributions, ensuring DSWD selects beneficiaries. Additionally, budgets for over 20 agencies were approved, including the Office of the President, Office of the Vice President (restored to P889.2 million), and others like DOTr, DPWH, and DA. Sen. Loren Legarda criticized last-minute appeals, such as P3.66 billion from DOTr and P54 billion from DPWH, which postponed the session on December 15. "Bakit ba tayong mga Pilipino, palaging afterthought? Palaging pahabol? Palaging last minute?" she asked.
Sen. Francis Pangilinan called for a detailed breakdown of P8 billion in farm-to-market roads. Despite concerns, the bicam plans to finish work before the new year to avoid a reenacted budget, with Malacañang stating there is still time.
