Photo credit: Senator Win Gatchalian

The Senate has postponed a session of the bicameral conference committee after a deadlock emerged over the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) allocation in the proposed 2026 national budget, Senate Finance Committee Chair Sherwin Gatchalian confirmed.

Lawmakers from both chambers are working to reconcile differences in the two versions of the FY 2026 General Appropriations Bill (House Bill No. 4058), particularly concerning the DPWH budget.

The disagreement began when the Senate reduced the DPWH’s proposed budget from ₱624.48 billion in the House version to ₱570.48 billion, based on adjustments using the Construction Materials Price Data (CMPD) submitted by the DPWH. Senators said the reduction reflects actual material cost trends, while DPWH officials argued that the adjustment may not apply uniformly to all projects.

Gatchalian described the situation as a “deadlock on that aspect,” but emphasized that lawmakers are actively working with the House and the DPWH to find a solution.

The proposed ₱6.793-trillion national budget must be finalized before the end of the year to fund government operations and public services starting January 2026. Lawmakers said the postponement does not indicate a collapse in talks, and both chambers remain committed to resolving differences and approving the final budget.