Manila, Oct. 9 -- Senate Committee on Finance chairperson Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said Thursday the 2026 national budget could be reduced if investigations confirm overpricing in the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) proposed PHP800 billion allocation.

Speaking at the Kapihan sa Senado, Gatchalian said the Senate is studying the DPWH budget, line by line, and may implement an across-the-board cut to help bring down the country's budget deficit and debt levels.

"Kung talagang proven na may overpricing pa rin, ang iniisip ko - of course, subject to the approval ng mga kasamahan ko - bawasan ng, let's say 10 percent across the board. So, kung PHP800 billion 'yun, babawas kami ng PHP80 billion. Kung nakita naming 20 percent...