Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon firmly denied allegations raised by his predecessor, Manuel Bonoan, regarding the inclusion of a discretionary “leadership fund” within the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) proposed budget for 2027.
Addressing reporters at the House of Representatives during the Committee on Appropriations hearing on the agency’s proposed P643.95-billion share of the P7.2-trillion National Expenditure Program, Dizon dismissed claims that discretionary allocations exist for lawmakers.
“Wala, wala,” Dizon stated when asked about the fund.
The clarification follows claims from Bonoan—who is currently facing graft charges before the Sandiganbayan—alleging that members of the 19th Congress each received a minimum of P500 million from a DPWH-lodged “leadership fund” to support preferred projects.
Dizon rejected the notion that such practices continue, asserting that funding under his management depends entirely on legitimate necessity and rigorous documentation.
“Ang mga projects po natin dito ay based, gaya ng sinabi ko, based on need,” Dizon emphasized.
“At hindi lang based on need, kailangan kumpleto yung requirements. Kung wala yung limang requirements na pinakita ko kanina, hindi pwedeng ipasok sa budget,” he added.
During his presentation to the House panel, Dizon outlined five mandatory prerequisites for project inclusion in the proposed budget:
- Approved Program of Works
- Validated geo-tagged photos
- Budget Preparation 202 Compliance (as mandated by the Department of Budget and Management)
- Certificate of Implementability
- Masterplan, feasibility study, local plan equivalent, endorsement/certification from Regional or Local Development Councils, or a Certificate of Non-Objection