Manila: Senate Committee on Finance chairperson Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday stated that the Senate is currently reviewing the revised adjustment factors submitted by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as part of the ongoing deliberations on the proposed 2026 national budget. These adjustments are under scrutiny to ensure accurate application to projects included in the spending measure.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian emphasized that the revised figures are being meticulously studied and will undergo validation before being applied. He highlighted the Senate’s priority to ensure that budget items are reasonably priced and that projects remain feasible. Gatchalian reassured, “What is important to us is that there are no overpriced items and that projects can be implemented so our economy will not be affected.”

The submission of these revised adjustment factors emerges amidst a deadlock in the bicameral conference committee concerning the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act. This follows the DPWH’s request to reinstate approximately PHP45 billion of its reduced budget after prior across-the-board cuts, based on adjustments in construction materials price data.

The bicameral conference on the disagreeing provisions of the measure is scheduled to resume later today. Meanwhile, Sen. Bam Aquino urged the DPWH to recompute its proposed 2026 budget and return to bicameral talks with corrected figures. He stressed that the Senate would not approve the DPWH budget unless the agency submits a recalculation based on the updated Construction Materials Price Data (CMPD), underscoring the necessity of accuracy in project costing to resolve the stalemate.

Aquino challenged the DPWH to present a project-by-project computation, noting the agency’s claim of covering around 10,000 projects nationwide. He insisted that the DPWH should return to negotiations with precise computations, reflecting the true costs using the new CMPD.

To break the impasse, Aquino urged the DPWH to submit its actual price computations to the bicameral conference committee, expressing confidence that the issue can be resolved once lawmakers are satisfied with the figures. He dismissed concerns that some projects might not proceed due to reduced funding, arguing that there is sufficient allowance because of overpricing.

Aquino concluded by advising the DPWH to dedicate time to accurate computations and return with genuine figures, after which the Senate will decide on whether to approve the budget.