Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson revealed on Tuesday that at least ₱50 billion from the 2024 unprogrammed appropriations was allocated by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for various infrastructure projects — with ₱30 billion reportedly funneled into flood control programs alone.
Lacson said the figures indicate how some DPWH officials have allegedly become accustomed to bypassing the government’s master plan in implementing infrastructure projects.
“Sa 2024, nakita ko ang dokumento, ang hinugot nila from unprogrammed appropriations, pumapalo ng ₱50B at ₱30B ang nakalagak sa flood control projects. Ibig sabihin nawili sila sa flood control projects na di tumatama sa master plan,” Lacson said in an interview.
He criticized how the use of unprogrammed funds appeared to have been scattered across different districts, allegedly benefiting favored contractors and lawmakers rather than addressing priority needs.
“Ang unprogrammed appropriations, sinabog kung saang distrito para gumawa ng flood control projects. Talagang naabuso. Kasi nandiyan ang suki nila, suki ng mambabatas sa DPWH kaya tinambakan nila kaya naungusan ang education sector… Kaya sa 2025 tinodo nila, yan ang masama kasi nawili, kaya sumabog,” he added.
Lacson expressed support for the reforms being enforced by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, who is now realigning ongoing projects to fit the government’s official master plan. He also backed Senate Committee on Finance Chairman Win Gatchalian’s policy of withholding funds for projects that fall outside the approved infrastructure framework.
According to Lacson, these reforms are crucial to restoring accountability and ensuring that infrastructure spending truly benefits the public rather than perpetuating wasteful or politically motivated projects.