Manila: House Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III on Wednesday rejected claims that budget insertions are being made during the ongoing bicameral conference committee deliberations on the 2026 Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget, calling the allegations inaccurate and misleading.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dy stated that reports suggesting lawmakers were secretly adding funds or provisions during the bicameral process were false and misrepresented the process by which the national budget is finalized. He emphasized that there are no insertions or secret additions of funds or provisions happening at the bicameral conference committee.

Dy issued the statement following a Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) report alleging that two-thirds of the 2026 DPWH budget are 'insertions.' He stressed that all items in the House version of the budget underwent the proper process and were approved by members of the House of Representatives before the bicameral conference even began.

He explained that the role of the bicameral conference committee is limited to reconciling the versions passed separately by the House and the Senate, rather than introducing new items or provisions that were not previously approved. The Speaker emphasized that the process was conducted openly and within the bounds of the law.

Dy assured that there was nothing irregular or concealed in the House's handling of the budget and reiterated his commitment to a transparent and orderly budget crafting process. He stated that the budget process is conducted to serve the interest of each Filipino rather than any individual or political agenda.