A fresh controversy has emerged in the stalled national budget talks after senators flagged ₱8 billion worth of farm-to-market road (FMR) projects that allegedly passed the bicameral conference committee without complete details.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said the issue was raised by Senator Kiko Pangilinan during a senators’ caucus, as lawmakers scrutinized the Department of Agriculture’s proposed FMR allocations.
“At least ₱5 billion worth of FMR projects are not properly identified, even revised from what the Senate approved on 3rd reading, i.e. no grid coordinates, description, etc.,” Lacson said.
“Based on our majority caucus yesterday, we cannot and will not allow that. For the sake of full transparency, we stand four-square behind our panel under the leadership of its chairman, [Senator Win Gatchalian],” he added.
Pangilinan later clarified that the total amount lacking critical information reached ₱8 billion. The bicameral committee had earlier approved ₱33 billion in FMR projects under the DA—double the ₱16 billion proposed in both the Senate version and the National Expenditure Program—after House appropriations chair Mika Suansing moved for the increase.
“Will seek reconsideration of the approval of the FMR budget in the next bicam meeting if the list [of] these projects, complete with validation, coordinates from start to end and geo-tagging info, are not submitted and annexed,” Pangilinan said.
He explained that while an initial list with complete details was approved, a revised list of the same amount was later submitted with projects missing coordinates.
“Still determining the facts,” Pangilinan added.
Lacson said the issue is as urgent as the ongoing dispute over the Department of Public Works and Highways budget, where the DPWH is seeking the restoration of ₱45 billion cut by the Senate over allegedly overpriced items. Budget talks were postponed as senators review newly submitted data.
“My position is – better a reenacted budget in January or even in the entire 1st quarter of 2026 than an unchecked, corruption conducive and worse, graft-ridden GAA [General Appropriations Act],” Lacson said.
“Most of my colleagues, at least in the majority bloc share the same sentiment,” he added.