Senator Kiko Pangilinan warned on Tuesday that strict vigilance is needed at the Bicameral Conference Committee (Bicam) to prevent a repeat of overpricing in flood control projects.

Speaking on DZRH’s Damdaming Bayan, he recalled that a significant portion of the flood control scandal traced back to measures approved by the Bicam in 2025.

“Ating tandaan na ang flood control scandal, malaking bahagi nito ay ang mga ginawa sa Bicam noong 2025. Kaya nag-iingat kami ng husto sa Bicam para tiyakin na hindi mauulit ang insertions na may overpricing,” Pangilinan said.

He explained that the current budget under discussion was prepared by the previous DPWH administration.

Pangilinan cited hearings that revealed questionable practices in the National Expenditure Program (NEP), which Secretary Dizon flagged for containing overpriced materials.

“Nakita na natin sa mga hearing kung paano nila binaboy ang NEP and that is why, sinabi ni Sec. Dizon na itong budget na hinihingi, overpriced ang mga materyales,” he said.

Pangilinan also questioned the apparent reversal in position regarding budget corrections.

“Sila rin ang nagsabi na ipapababa natin ang overpricing. Ang tanong, bakit biglang sinabi niyong overpriced tapos gusto niyo nang ibalik? Gusto namin magkaroon ng paliwanag,” he said, highlighting the need for clarity and transparency as Bicam moves forward.