PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a “sweeping review” of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) proposed P880 billion budget for 2026.
The move aims to ensure transparency and the proper use of public funds amid reports of duplicate projects and insertions.
“I have instructed the DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon to fully review the budget … We owe the Filipino people transparency and efficiency,” Marcos said in a statement quoted by a Palace spokesperson.
In the statement, Marcos emphasized that “the people’s money should be used properly.”
In a separate briefing also in Wednesday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Dizon and Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman have been tasked with conducting the review.
They will verify reports that the proposed National Expenditure Program (NEP) includes previously completed projects, she said.
Castro acknowledged that some projects may have similar names but cover different phases. “So, it should be reviewed. Maybe there is really no duplication … But if there really is duplication, that would be scrutinized,” she said.
Since the NEP has already been submitted to Congress, the executive branch will issue an erratum to remove the duplicate allocations.
“There will probably be erratum, correction, amendment, and deletion so that they — the Senate and Congress — can be given a list of what should no longer be included,” Castro explained.
She noted the importance of a swift review, as Congress is currently deliberating on the budget. Despite concerns, Castro said the review would not delay the budget’s passage, as the two secretaries are “stepping up” their efforts.
Reports indicate that some previously completed projects are in the proposed budget, and certain priority projects of lawmakers have been removed while others were inserted.
“The president … doesn’t want a reenacted budget,” she added. “With the speed of Sec Vince and then Sec Mina Pangandaman, this should be quick. This review cannot be done for a long time, it should be done quickly.”
