Villar says P75-B increase in DPWH’s 2019 budget is part of process

The P75-billion increase in the Department of Public and Highways’ (DPWH) allotment under the proposed P3.757-trillion national budget next year is part of the process and not an insertion as alleged by House leaders, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said on Tuesday.

“A budget is a public document so we’re all aware of what’s in the budget. Yes, [the P75-billion] is part of the NEP (National Expenditure Program),” Villar told reporters on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Manila-Cavite Expressway extension project.

His statement contradicts House Majority Leader Rolando Andaya Jr.’s allegation that the Cabinet official did not know the P75 billion of “insertions” in DPWH’s 2019 budget.

“That’s all part of the budgetary process. There is nothing not part of the process. Ultimately, ang Congress ang papasa sa budget ... we can only recommend,” Villar said.

Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno is under fire for supposedly raising the DPWH budget, which Andaya claimed both President Rodrigo Duterte and Villar did not know.

Asked for comment, Andaya said that while Villar could have known about the supposed insertions, he did not ask for it.

“Oo, alam niya na may P75-billion increase, totoo. Pero hindi niya pinili yung mga dinagdag. Yan mismo ang sinabi ni Sec. Villar. Pati sa Senate hearing yan din sinabi niya,” Andaya said in a text message to reporters.

“Doon mo makikita kung sino talaga ang may discretion sa budget,” he added.

Diokno denied allegations of irregularity, saying there were no insertions but there were adjustments to meet the infrastructure spending target of 5 percent of the gross domestic product.

In an interview earlier Tuesday, Diokno said the accusations against him by lawmakers might be a way to keep him under pressure in releasing the P45 billion road user’s tax controlled by the Road Board.

Diokno is in favor of abolishing the Road Board as the road user’s tax has been a “source of corruption.” He is a member of the Road Board.

Villar has formally expressed his support for the Budget chief. “I sent a letter or signed a letter expressing support to Secretary Diokno.” —VDS/RSJ, GMA News