MANILA – The bicameral conference committee has given its approval to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget for 2026, though the exact amount has yet to be revealed amid ongoing reconciliations and scrutiny over potential insertions. The decision, reached during deliberations on the P6.793-trillion General Appropriations Bill, comes after intense debates on DPWH’s funding request, with lawmakers balancing infrastructure needs against fears of overpricing and abuse following the P20-billion flood control scandal.
While the bicam moved forward on other agencies’ allocations, DPWH’s budget—caught between the House’s higher P624.48 billion version and the Senate’s slashed P570.48 billion—remains a focal point of contention. Secretary Vince Dizon‘s appeal to restore around P45-54 billion (cut via revised Construction Materials Price Data) was deferred multiple times, with senators expressing distrust in field officers despite confidence in Dizon personally.
Critics, including civil society watchdogs, hailed the approval as progress but urged full disclosure to prevent “ghost projects” or patronage. The final reconciled figure is expected in the bicam report before ratification, potentially by December 29.
This cautious approval reflects broader efforts for transparency in a scandal-shadowed sector: Infrastructure funds fuel growth, but trust demands details—Filipinos await the numbers behind the nod.
DPWH Budget Versions Snapshot (2026):
| Version/Source | Amount (P Billion) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| House | 624.48 | Higher; includes restorations |
| Senate | 570.48 | Slashed via CMPD adjustments |
| Bicam (Approved) | Undisclosed | Reconciled; details pending report |