Senator Pia S. Cayetano warned that reversing the Senate-approved reduction in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget without clear explanation risks undermining public trust. Speaking during Day 2 of the Bicameral Conference Committee deliberations on the 2026 budget, she stressed that “this is a trust issue”.
Cayetano said the Senate cut followed the President’s directive, DPWH inputs, and the government’s anti-corruption stance, adding, “we cannot just say na ibabalik yung presyo.” She cautioned that “simply putting back that budget sends the wrong message,” noting that unfinished projects can be continued in phases. “Kung kinulang, e di next phase two,” she said. “Perishable ba yan?”
Cayetano reiterated that she is “always willing to listen” and change her mind if presented with facts, but said it is difficult to reverse course when this was already clearly communicated to the public, as she appealed to DPWH to help by clearly explaining any policy shift.
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