The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has revised its proposed 2026 budget after removing more than ₱250 billion worth of duplicate and completed projects.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon presented the new proposal during the budget briefing of the House Committee on Appropriations, noting that the department’s request is now 30 percent lower than its original submission.
According to Dizon, the agency identified several projects that had already been completed but still carried funding allocations, as well as duplicate projects that overlapped with others. Among those removed from the proposal were allocations for rock netting and cats-eye installations.
The secretary explained that the savings from these removals would be redirected to other priority programs, including agriculture, education, health, housing, labor, social welfare, and information technology.
Lawmakers were briefed on how the budget realignment intends to address broader national needs while ensuring efficient use of government funds. Dizon emphasized that eliminating duplicate and redundant projects would free up resources for sectors that directly impact public welfare.
The move to trim the DPWH budget comes amid heightened scrutiny of government spending and transparency in infrastructure planning. While the department did not provide a detailed breakdown during the briefing, it assured legislators that the realigned funds would strengthen social and economic development initiatives.
The proposed DPWH budget for 2026, reflecting the adjustments, is now under review in the House.
