DBM explains ‘repeated’ appropriations for DPWH projects in 2021 are multi-year contracts

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Tuesday explained that the somehow “repeated” items under the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) proposed 2021 budget are multi-year contracts.

“Ito po ‘yung mga big ticket projects, malalaking proyekto po. At ang ginawa ng DPWH ay ginawa niya na MYCA o multi-year contractual authority dahil kulang ang pera for this year,” Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado said during a Palace briefing.

In an online interview on Monday, Senator Panfilo Lacson said he spotted some questionable appropriations for some projects of the DPWH under its proposed budget next year as these are the same as those indicated under the 2020 General Appropriations Act.

"May nakita na kaming mga questionable and we want it clarified. For example, naulit eh. Maraming mga infra na naroon na sa 2020 budget, narito na naman sa 2021 budget," Lacson said.

"Kung hindi discontinued ang project sa 2020 under DPWH, bakit popondohan mo, may pondo na 'yan? So to me, that’s a big issue. Kasi baka double appropriation kalabasan nito," the senator added.

With this, the Budget chief explained that a budget for infrastructure projects cannot be appropriated in a single year since it takes several years for it to be completed.

“Kasi kailangan matapos ‘yan at hindi naman lahat mabibigay ang budget for this year kaya nga po hiniling ng DPWH na ipagpatuloy hanggang next year. Kaya naulit ang [mga] project na ‘yan as recommended by DPWH,” Avisado said.

Nevertheless, the Cabinet official said the Budget department will explain the issue in detail during the Senate and House of Representatives’ hearings for the proposed P4.506-trillion in 2021.

Under the proposed P4.506-trillion budget for the next fiscal year, the Department of Public Works and Highways is the agency with the highest allocation at P667.3 billion, followed by the Department of Education at P606.5 billion.—AOL, GMA News