Joselito Malig

Article (news)

RG Cruz

ABS-CBN News

MANILA - Senators and congressmen got into another intense discussion during the bicameral conference committee on the 2026 national budget, this time over differences on the item for farm-to-market roads. Congressmen lobbied senators for a P32-billion budget for farm-to-market roads in 2026, especially for far-flung areas of the country.Senator Francis Pangilinan, who took charge of the Department of Agriculture budget for the Senate, was open to the House&#x27;s proposal since the DA already submitted the technical coordinates for the projects. Pangilinan explained those details were not available in time for the Senate approval on 3rd reading, so they had to approve the budget without it. <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/10/28/da-dpwh-ready-raps-over-questionable-farm-to-market-roads-2314">DA, DPWH ready raps over questionable farm-to-market roads</a></div>Senators Pia Cayetano, Loren Legarda, and Imee Marcos, however, rejected the request of the congressmen.Legarda wants to make sure there is accountability for the projects first while wanting to see the basis for the House&#x27;s proposal. Legarda also cited a Department of Public Works and Highways statement requesting the reinstatement of what was supposedly the expensive cost of materials. Cayetano said she would find it hard to approve of the projects unless she knows how people would be held accountable in case of anomalies.Marcos said the DA already implemented FMRs before the DPWH was tasked to do it, and now that same task is again being reverted to the DA. She is wary that these farm-to-market roads may end up as &quot;farm-to-pocket&quot; roads. Marcos added that the DA only has a staff of 65 people nationwide for this task. Pangilinan explained that the DA will be accountable, and it should be able to hire more staff. Marcos wants the matter pilot tested first, a view Cayetano shared.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/11/4/agri-dept-eyes-third-party-auditors-new-price-menu-for-farm-to-market-roads-1802">Agri dept eyes third party auditors, new ‘price menu’ for farm-to-market roads</a></div>When the discussion was getting intense, the session was suspended to give way to a huddle of the lawmakers from the 2 chambers.Legarda was overheard during the huddle that as of September this year, around P23 billion in farm-to-market road funds were unutilized, prompting Cayetano to say that it is why she was asking questions.

Congressmen lobbied senators for a P32-billion budget for farm-to-market roads in 2026, especially for far-flung areas of the country.

Congressmen lobbied senators for a P32-billion budget for farm-to-market roads in 2026, especially for far-flung areas of the country.

Senators, congressmen clash over funds for farm-to-market roads

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Nation

Senators, congressmen clash over funds for farm-to-market roads

RG Cruz,

ABS-CBN News

Published Dec 14, 2025 12:11 AM PHT

Read More:

Bicam

Budget

2026 Budget

Senate

Congress

Farm to market roads

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.