House Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan on Friday called out the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) over what he described as “questionable priorities” in its proposed 2026 budget.
Speaking at the House Committee on Appropriations’ deliberations on the DPWH’s budget, Libanan warned that poor planning and irrational allocations encourage ghost and substandard projects that damage Congress’ credibility.
The agency, now under newly appointed Secretary Vince Dizon, has allocated nearly one-third of its funds to flood control projects. Under the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) submitted by Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, at least ₱250.8 billion was set aside for flood control.
Libanan questioned this approach, stressing the need for proper planning: “Ano bang basis ninyo sa identification? Kaya mahal na secretary, kailangan itong pag-aralan dahil mananalo lang po tayo dito ‘pag maganda ang ating planning.”
He added: “Unfortunately, ito ang pinaglalaanan ng malaking pondo ng ating bansa pero hindi natatapos ang ating baha. Nandyan pa rin ang ating baha.”
The Minority Leader pointed out the mismatch between hazard maps and project allocations, saying flood-prone communities remain neglected despite massive annual funding. Citing government geohazard data, he listed the top 20 flood-prone provinces, including Maguindanao, Cagayan, Pangasinan, Isabela, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Leyte, and Camarines Sur.
He revealed that 12 provinces receiving allocations for flood control projects are not even among these top 20, questioning the agency’s criteria.
Libanan also flagged suspicious project reporting in his home province of Eastern Samar, where billions were spent on projects outside hazard zones while typhoon-prone Pacific towns remain without seawalls.
He warned that misplaced priorities only worsen disasters, while unchecked reports from contractors and local offices open the door for ghost projects.
Libanan said the integrity of the national budget depends on identifying true needs, transparent allocation, and strict monitoring, adding that misallocated funds directly cost lives and livelihoods in disaster-prone communities.