DPWH Budget Swells by P289 Billion After Bicameral Conference, Sparks Calls for Transparency

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has confirmed that an additional P289 billion worth of infrastructure projects were incorporated into the 2025 national budget during the bicameral conference committee, rather than by the House of Representatives small committee.

Marikina City Representative Miro Quimbo highlighted this discrepancy during a budget briefing, noting that the House originally reduced the DPWH allocation by P73.7 billion—from P898 billion in the National Expenditure Program (NEP) to P825 billion in the House General Appropriations Bill (HGAB). The HGAB was later forwarded to the Senate, which passed its own version of the budget.

"If the budget is cut here, how can you insert new projects? The House actually slashed the allocation by P73.7 billion, so where did the insertions come from?" Quimbo questioned.

Following negotiations in the bicameral conference committee, the DPWH budget surged to P1.13 trillion, representing an increase of nearly P289 billion. DPWH Undersecretary Ador Canlas and Director Alex Bote revealed they were unaware of these adjustments until the final General Appropriations Act (GAA) was published after Senate plenary sessions.

Quimbo emphasized that this indicates the significant budget increases, often labeled as "insertions," occurred during the bicameral conference committee rather than in initial House deliberations, contradicting popular assumptions.

To address this, Quimbo advocated for a more transparent budgeting process that clearly identifies which lawmakers propose specific projects. He stated, "Let's end the finger-pointing and confusion. If a congressman or senator proposes a project, their name should be attached to it. Just like in the U.S., earmarks must be transparent. Lawmakers must own and defend their insertions publicly."

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon expressed agreement with the call for transparency, highlighting that it aligns with the current administration's efforts to promote accountability. "We fully support Representative Quimbo's recommendations. That is correct, and I believe it is also what the President desires," Dizon said.

Quimbo also disclosed that his district will receive P486 million from the DPWH budget, placing it in the lower 20% tier for congressional district allocations. Despite this, he reaffirmed his commitment to advocate for his constituents, saying, "I accept the decision. My responsibility is to fight for Marikina and defend what we receive before my people. Every lawmaker should do the same."