DPWH chief says only 22% of 2025 budget disbursed; stricter reforms enforced
By Trixee Rosel
At A Glance
- Only 22% of DPWH's 2025 budget, or P223 billion, has been disbursed.
- 26 individuals linked to anomalous projects face filed cases.
- Over 100 DPWH projects nationwide are under investigation.
- Proposed 2026 DPWH budget trimmed from P881.3 billion to P625.78 billion.
- Funds from canceled flood control projects to be reallocated to priority programs such as health and education.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon said on Friday, Sept. 19, that only P223 billion, or 22 percent, of the agency’s 2025 budget has been disbursed, which led to the enforcement of stricter reforms and tighter oversight of infrastructure projects.
Speaking before the House Committee on Appropriations, Dizon assured lawmakers that measures are now being implemented to strengthen accountability and improve the quality of every project.
House Appropriations panel vice chairperson Brian Poe said DPWH’s problems date back to the previous administration, noting that “the cases span from 2017 all the way up until 2024.”
“We don’t just build; we have to build better,” Dizon stressed.
The DPWH chief also disclosed that a case has been filed against 26 individuals linked to anomalous projects and said over 100 projects nationwide are under investigation, with at least one case expected to be filed every week.
Poe welcomed the ongoing reforms, emphasizing that every peso must be put to work for the people and that every project must stand the test of time.
The proposed P881.3-billion DPWH budget for 2026 was trimmed to P625.78 billion after President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. ordered the cancellation of more than P250 billion worth of locally funded flood control projects.
Dizon said the realigned funds can be used for other priority programs such as health and education, subject to the President’s discretion.