Bicameral budget talks hit deadlock on DPWH funding

THE SENATE and House of Representatives canceled Monday’s scheduled bicameral conference committee meeting after lawmakers deadlocked over whether to restore funding for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026, amid lingering concerns over corruption in flood control projects. Se

nator Sherwin T. Ga

tchalian, chairman of the Senate Finance committee, described the issue as “deadlocked” but said the chamber remains open to compromise. “The H

ouse had a different opinion. We had a

different opinion,” he told reporters, adding that the Senate is reviewing DPWH Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon’s ap

peal to reverse a P45-billion cut in the agency’s proposed budget. “This is a ver

y technical issue, and it will take time to talk with DPWH.” Nueva Ecija Rep. M

ikaela Angela B.

Suansing, who head

s the House Appropriations Committee, said no new bicameral meeting had been scheduled, urging lawmakers to act quickly to avoid a reenacted budget for 2026. She warned that ro