Dizon: Only 22% of 2025 DPWH budget disbursed

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon on Wednesday acknowledged that only P223 billion or 22% of the department’s budget for 2025 have been disbursed. 

But Dizon told the House Committee on Appropriations that reforms are taking place to guarantee the quality of the projects. 

“We don’t just build, we have to build better,” said Dizon. 

House Appropriations panel vice chairperson Brian Poe noted that problems within the DPWH have persisted since the previous administration: “The cases span from 2017 all the way up until 2024.” 

 

For his part, Dizon confirmed that a case involving 26 individuals linked to anomalous projects has already been filed. 

“We are investigating more than a hundred projects nationwide,” the DPWH secretary said, adding that they would file at least one case per week. 

Poe welcomed the ongoing reforms within the agency. 

“Every peso must be put to work for the people, and every project must stand the test of time,” the lawmaker said. 

The DPWH proposed budget of P881.3 billion for 2026 was cut to P625.78 billion after over P250 billion was slashed. 

Dizon said the department scrapped all locally funded flood control projects following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 's earlier directive. 

The more than P250 billion that was shaved from the flood control budget can be reallocated for other programs such as for health or education per President Ferdinand Marcos’ prerogative, said Dizon. —RF, GMA Integrated News