Senate, House deadlock on P45B DPWH budget cut

The Senate and the House of Representatives remain in a deadlock over the P45 billion budget cut for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in 2026, impacting approximately 10,000 infrastructure projects.

Senate Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri stated that the Senate will not allow the full restoration of the P45 billion cut.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon previously expressed concern that the uniform reductions could render many projects unimplementable.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian confirmed that a portion of the P45 billion slashed from the DPWH's proposed 2026 budget may be restored, but not the entire amount.

Gatchalian explained that the DPWH has provided more details on logistics, hauling, and indirect costs, making their budget more realistic and reducing potential savings.

Zubiri indicated that the DPWH must first present a re-computation of costs per item using the revised construction materials price data (CMPD) before any funds can be considered for restoration.

He cautioned against arbitrarily restoring funds, suggesting that the DPWH needs to show accurate project descriptions and requirements to the public.

Zubiri recalled that both the DPWH and President Marcos Jr. had acknowledged potential overpricing of construction materials.