Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon defended the restoration of a P45-billion budget cut for the department under the proposed 2026 national budget.
The original budget of P624.48 billion was cut by the House of Representatives to P570.48 billion, raising concerns regarding the funding needed for key infrastructure projects.
According to Dizon, the department is not asking for the reinstatement of specific projects like flood control systems or bridges, but only the restoration of P45 billion to ensure the proper implementation of ongoing projects.
Dizon clarified that the budget reductions were based on the new Construction Materials Price Data (CMPD), which reflects a decrease in the cost of materials for various infrastructure projects. He emphasized that the price reductions were not aimed at returning to higher prices from previous years but to align with updated cost standards.
Despite past controversies surrounding corruption in flood control projects, particularly within the DPWH, Dizon assured the public that such issues will not occur under his watch. He acknowledged the public’s concerns but reassured that the department is committed to transparency and accountability.
However, Senator Kiko Pangilinan expressed concerns over potential overpricing in light of previous agreements to eliminate unnecessary costs in projects. Dizon responded by assuring that project costs would be lower in 2026 but questioned who should oversee the implementation of this – Congress, the Senate, or the executive branch.
Dizon further emphasized that he understood the lawmakers’ apprehension, which is why he issued a department order mandating all DPWH officials to follow proper pricing standards to avoid corruption.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, on the other hand, expressed skepticism regarding the reliability of the district engineering offices, calling for stricter oversight to ensure that overpricing does not occur.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Representative Javier Benitez raised concerns about whether the new reforms would truly prevent corruption in the coming years. Dizon admitted that eradicating corruption would not be easy, requiring continuous reform efforts.
In response to questions from Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez regarding flood control projects, Dizon confirmed that no funds would be allocated for flood control initiatives in the 2026 budget, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to reallocate the funds to priority sectors.
Dizon assured that the President’s directive was clear and that no funding would be allotted for flood control projects in the upcoming budget.
