MANILA, Philippines — Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has assured the public that all modifications to the agency’s proposed 2027 budget will remain fully transparent.
Speaking to House reporters late Thursday, September 24, following the conclusion of plenary deliberations on the DPWH’s allocation under the 2027 General Appropriations Bill (GAB), Dizon emphasized that the public deserves complete visibility regarding taxpayer funds.
“The important thing here is the transparency, that we will release all of these so our countrymen will know,” Dizon said.
“Wala po tayong itatago sa mga kababayan natin, pera po nila yan,” he declared.
The DPWH is currently reviewing its project list to realign funding toward urgent infrastructure needs, particularly those highlighted by recent heavy rains and flooding caused by the southwest monsoon (Habagat).
Dizon explained that several critical projects were not included in the initial National Expenditure Program (NEP) submitted by Executive branch earlier in the year.
To accommodate these high-priority initiatives—which include drainage system upgrades, detention basins, and essential bypass roads—the agency plans to strip funding from lower-priority items.
“Nu’ng nakita po natin na kailangan ito, as long as kompleto ang requirement nung mga proyektong ito ay kailangan po maging responsive din tayo sa mga immediate na pangangailangan,” Dizon explained.
“Meron din tayong nakitang mga proyekto na talagang kailangang-kailangan ng mga communities. Nakita natin ngayon lang nung nag-ikot tayo after ng Habagat,” he added.
A key condition for any incoming project is securing proper right-of-way (ROW) clearances. Dizon emphasized that incomplete requirements in the past stalled implementation, a practice the agency intends to eliminate.
“Kasi hindi talaga tayo papayag na merong project na ipapasok tapos walang [ROW], kasi balewala rin naman yun hindi rin natin mai-implement,” Dizon said.
The anticipated budget adjustments are expected to primarily affect projects across Region III, the National Capital Region (NCR), the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Region I, and Region IV.
“It’s really determining ano yung pinaka kailangan talaga ng ating mga communities at kung ano yung pinaka-urgent,” Dizon stressed.