Manila, Dec. 15 -- The bicameral conference committee on the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) is facing a deadlock following the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) request to restore around PHP45 billion in budget cuts, but lawmakers said deliberations remain on track.

Senate Committee on Finance chairperson Sherwin Gatchalian said Monday the Senate contingent decided to defer the third bicameral meeting scheduled at 4 p.m. to allow further discussions with the House of Representatives and the DPWH on the request.

"After the caucus, sabi namin i-postpone muna 'yung bicam today para maresolba muna itong issue with the House and also the DPWH (After the caucus, we decided to postpone today's bicam first so we ca...