271059/271347/E-02472/E-04036 Representative Edcel C. Lagman, substituted by Albay First District Representative Krisel B. Lagman, et al. Vs. The Congress of the Philippines, et al./Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Pantaleo “Bebot” Alvarez Vs. Lucas P. Bersamin, in his capacity as executive secretary, and Amenah F. Pangandaman, in her capacity as secretary of the Department of Budget and Management/Filipinos for Peace, Justice and Progress Movement, Inc. (FPJPM), represented by its president and chairperson, Joseph F. Cadsawan, and Gloria T. Puzon, chapter Officer Vs. The House of Representatives, et al./Edgar R. Erice and Leila De Lima Vs. The Senate of the Philippines, et al. — Official PDF

Decision 112 G.R. Nos. 271059, 271347,E-02472 and E-04036 Senate versions of any law, including any appropriations bill. The nature of the disagreeing provisions will determine the scope of their authority and the allowable extent of the changes or amendments to be made to settle and harmonize these conflicting provisions. Tolentino recognized this:· As to the possibility of an entirely new bill emerging out,of a Conference Committee, it has been explained: Under ·congressional· rules of procedure; conference committees are not expected to make any material change in the measure at issue, either by deleting provisions to which both houses have already agreed or by inserting new provisions. But this is a difficult provision to enforce. Note the problem when one house amends a proposal originating in either house by striking out everything following the enacting clause and substituting provisions which make it an entirely new bill. The versions are now altogether different, permitting a conference committee to drafl essentially a new bill ... The result is a third version, which is considered an "amendment in the nature of a substitute," the only requirement for which being that the third version be germane to the subject of the House and Senate bills.· (emphasis supplied)475 The Bicameral Conference Committee, being part of Congryss, should be transparent and accountable in its proceedings. We note several • suggystions coming . from the different reflections .on . the need for transparency .476 475 Id. at 748. 476 During the oral arguments held on June 16, 2026, Justice Caguioa requested.for documents from the· respondents supporting the decisions of the Bicameral Conference Committee. However none were given. J. Caguioa: Okay. Ngayon, let me ask, do you - are there documents that support the Bicameral Report? I mean, where do these figures come from? Are there supporting documents to all of these things? Sol. Gen.: This is the only document. My understanding is that this is the only document that was furnished to us, Your Honor. J. Caguioa: And since you're counsel for Congress, you can ask for this, correct? Sol. Gen.: Yes, Your Honor. J. Caguioa: So, can I ask for all those documents that suppott the Bicameral Committee Conference Reports? Yes, sir (refening to Hon. Drilon) Hon. Drilon: Mr. Justice, the Bicameral Conference Committee Report is the report itself As flashed on the screen, this is the report. There is no nanative ifwe are looking for a narrative. J. Caguioa: No, I'm looking for the details of those PAPs that were taken from programmed and put in other programmed. Those are the details I'm looking for. I-Ion. Drilon: I wouldn't know, sir. That is a matter which the administrative staff of both houses would be able to provide. J. Caguioa: That's what I'm asking the ,solicitor General since you're counsel for Congress and you have committees that headed these things, so there would be repmts that suppo1t those. Sol. Gen.: Your Honor, my team relayed to me that it has been previously requested from Congress, and that as Senate President Drilon is manifesting, that this is the only report that they ~re . _ able to furnish us. This is the only report that they have. J. Caguioa: You mean, like the Supreme Court cannot ask? Sol. Gen.: What I'm saying is that Congress says that this is the only report ... J. Caguioa: Yes . Sol. Gen.: .... And there are no other.. ... (interrupted) J. Caguioa: But the question now is ..... (interrupted) Sol. Gen.: Official docurnents ..... (interrupted)