The Senate on 15 November submitted an approved budget of P737 billion for the Department of Public Works and Highways — over P40 billion less than its previous allocation of P782.7 billion.

During a five-hour interpellation, Sen. Bong Revilla said funds should be used for the construction, repair and maintenance of DPWH projects. He also proposed funds to be allocated to equipment such as backhoes and dredgers for local government units to use after a calamity:

Sen. Raffy Tulfo focused on the issue of hiring subcontractors in road works. "Let's prohibit the hiring of subcontractors. Principal contractors should not sell parts of the allocation and should solely run the project so that there would be accountability," he said.

Agreeing with Tulfo's proposal, Sen. Sonny Angara proposed amendments to Republic Act 9184, the Government Procurement Act, which punishes and blacklists contractors and subcontractors who renege on agreements.

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano pointed out certain increases in some programs on flood control and asset preservation, as well as in the funding of attached agencies.

Sen. Mark Villar, former DPWH Secretary, said the 11.3 billion earmarked for repairs, maintenance and check-ups of existing infrastructure should not be touched: "Any reduction would lead to a lower service level for the Department."