MANILA - The six-man panel representing the Senate and the House of Representatives failed to resolve the impasse on the proposed P3.757 trillion 2019 budget after meeting for more than 3 hours Monday.

Lawmakers, however, said they remained optimistic that they will be able to resolve their issues with the Budget bill soon.

“As long as we are talking, there is light at the end of the tunnel. We are still talking,” said Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman after emerging from the closed-door meeting.

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House Committee on Appropriations Chairman, Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. said in a separate interview they had already addressed "contentious points."

"Wala nang contentious point. We had a very lively conversation, we were able to explain both our sides in a very conducive manner for understanding. Sana tomorrow we can come to our agreement,” he said.Andaya, however, admitted that they evaded the "lump sum" issue during their discussions.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who previously accused House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of manipulating the bicam-ratified 2019 budget, said the panel was making progress.

“Some progress. We're still working on it. Will meet again tom. Hopefully, we can follow through and finalize tomorrow,” Lacson said in a text message.