Manila:The Senate has raised concerns over approximately PHP266 billion worth of infrastructure projects after identifying significant documentation gaps and changes in funding within the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) 2027 budget, approved by the House.
According to Philippines News Agency, JV Ejercito, Senate Committee on Finance chairperson, revealed that only 1,418 out of 16,244 projects in the DPWH's proposed budget had accompanying physical or digital documentation submitted. The absence of supporting documents for the remaining 14,826 projects, accounting for 91.27 percent of the total, prompted further scrutiny.
Ejercito highlighted the increase in DPWH projects from 11,420 under the National Expenditure Program (NEP) to 16,244 in the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) approved by the House. Additionally, the review found 23 line items worth PHP227.2 million, previously allocated in the 2026 budget, reappearing in the 2027 proposal. The Senate committee also flagged PHP20.5 billion in lump-sum items for examination.
The committee emphasized the need for clear explanations from the DPWH regarding these findings. While the lack of documentation does not imply irregularities, the Senate seeks to ensure the projects' necessity and funding requirements are justified before finalizing the budget review.
In addition to documentation issues, Ejercito questioned the redistribution of infrastructure allocations, noting significant increases in smaller programs and reductions in major foreign-assisted projects. The DPWH budget saw an overall increase of PHP11.49 billion, with the Convergence and Special Support Program rising by PHP74.14 billion. Conversely, funding for foreign-assisted projects dropped by PHP73 billion.
Ejercito stressed the importance of sustained funding for infrastructure investments that generate employment and enhance economic competitiveness. He warned that delays in major projects could weaken the country's investment appeal. The finance committee has formed a team to compare the executive's original budget proposal with the House-approved version to address these concerns.
