Manila, Dec. 17 -- Senate Committee on Finance chairperson Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday hinted at restoring the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget for 2026, but lower than the amount earlier requested by the agency, as bicameral conference committee deliberations near completion.

In an interview, Gatchalian said the figure is expected to be less than the PHP45 billion initially cited, after the DPWH submitted more detailed cost components, including logistics, hauling, indirect costs, and other expenses, to make project estimates more realistic.

"Mas less kasi finactor-in nila 'yung logistics, hauling, indirect cost, at 'yung iba pang mga cost to make it realistic... ngayon marami nang details so obviously liliit n...