House Speaker Denies Allegations of Budget Insertions During Bicameral Deliberations

House Speaker Faustino Dy III dismissed on Wednesday accusations that unauthorized budget insertions are occurring amid the ongoing bicameral conference committee (BICAM) talks on the 2026 Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget. He described such claims as "inaccurate and misleading."

In a statement, Dy clarified that no secret additions of funds or provisions are being made during the bicameral process. "I just want to correct the speculations: There is no insertion or covert addition of funds or provisions in the bicameral conference committee," he stated.

The Speaker emphasized that all components in the House-approved budget have undergone the appropriate procedures and were endorsed by the House of Representatives before the bicameral discussions even began. "Everything in our bill—including funds, provisions, and programs—passed through the proper process. The entire House approved it on third reading before BICAM started," Dy noted.

He elaborated that the BICAM's role is to harmonize the versions passed by both the House and the Senate. It is not authorized to introduce new provisions or approve items not previously agreed upon. "BICAM’s function is to unify the Senate and House versions—not to insert or bypass any unapproved items. Therefore, claims of insertions during BICAM are false and baseless," Dy explained.

The Speaker underscored that the House's budget process remains transparent and lawful, with no hidden or illicit maneuvers. "The truth is, nothing illegal, clandestine, or deceptive is happening on our side," he affirmed.

Concluding his statement, Dy reaffirmed his commitment to a transparent and principled legislative system. He reiterated that the budget is designed to benefit the Filipino people rather than serve individual or political interests. "As Speaker, I stand for a clean, orderly, and honest budget-making process. We do this for the welfare of every Filipino, not for personal gain," he said.