MANILA – The bicameral conference committee’s deliberations on the proposed 2026 national budget faced yet another snag on Sunday, December 14, 2025, after several senators objected to hearing a presentation from Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon on adjustments to his department’s funding. The brief impasse, during the second day of livestreamed sessions at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), highlighted lingering tensions over infrastructure allocations amid the ongoing flood control corruption scandal.
House appropriations committee chairperson Rep. Mikaela Suansing requested Dizon’s input to clarify issues with the DPWH budget, particularly the Construction Materials Price Data (CMPD)—a key index Dizon revised downward upon taking office, resulting in slashed project costs and a reduced overall agency proposal. DPWH had recently appealed via letter to the Senate for restoration of some deducted funds, citing an updated CMPD issuance that could justify higher allocations without reviving overpricing.
Senate finance committee chair Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian countered that other senators should address the matter first. Sen. Erwin Tulfo argued the bicam should remain exclusive to lawmakers, barring executive branch officials like Dizon from direct participation. Sen. Imee Marcos echoed concerns, viewing the request as potentially disruptive.
The objection caused a temporary halt, underscoring procedural sensitivities in the historically opaque bicam process—now livestreamed for transparency per President Marcos’ directive. Deliberations resumed after deferring Dizon’s slot, but the episode fueled perceptions of executive-legislative friction over DPWH’s P598-billion proposed slice, scrutinized for past “ghost projects” and insertions.
Critics like civil society groups see the delay as emblematic of deeper issues: With flood scandal probes implicating DPWH contractors and officials, Dizon’s involvement—praised for cost-cutting reforms—remains polarizing. Supporters argue his expertise is essential for informed decisions on materials pricing affecting thousands of projects.
As talks continue, the impasse serves as a microcosm of budget battles: In a graft-shadowed year, even technical presentations spark suspicion, testing Congress’ commitment to open, accountable reconciliation.
Deliberations Snapshot:
| Issue | House Position | Senate Objection | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dizon Presentation | Requested for CMPD/DPWH budget clarity | Exclusive to lawmakers; procedural concerns | Deferred; talks resumed |
| DPWH Budget Impact | Supports restoration appeal | Scrutiny over past anomalies | Ongoing reconciliation |