MANILA – Malacañang has expressed support for Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon‘s appeal to the bicameral conference committee to restore approximately P45 billion in cuts to the agency’s proposed 2026 budget, warning that failure to do so could stall nearly 10,000 infrastructure projects nationwide. The endorsement, voiced by Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro on December 15, 2025, emphasizes the need to implement vital roads, bridges, and other developments without reviving flagged flood control items tainted by the ongoing corruption scandal.
Castro clarified President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s awareness of the plea: “The DPWH had requested a budget, and it happened to be reduced in the Senate. Nearly 10,000 projects will not be fulfilled or implemented if the budget requested by DPWH is further cut.” She stressed that the restoration aligns with the President’s directive to ramp up infrastructure spending for economic acceleration, while adhering to updated Construction Materials Price Data (CMPD) to prevent overpricing.
Background: From Major Cuts to Targeted Restoration
The DPWH’s original proposal faced massive slashes amid the P20-billion flood control probe involving ghost projects and kickbacks:
- Initial NEP: P881.3 billion.
- Post-Review Cuts: P255 billion removed (flood-related items).
- House Version: P624.48 billion.
- Senate Version: P570.48 billion (additional ~P54 billion cut via CMPD reductions).
- Dizon’s Appeal: Restore ~P45 billion for non-flood projects, ensuring implementability under revised CMPD (no higher prices or scrapped items revived).
Dizon assured lawmakers the funds would support legitimate infrastructure, not anomalies: “We’re not restoring overpriced items or reviving flagged projects—just enabling proper execution.”
Bicam Deadlock and Senate Skepticism
The request sparked controversy during livestreamed bicam sessions, with senators like Sherwin Gatchalian, Imee Marcos, and Pia Cayetano questioning the “change of script” from Dizon’s earlier acceptance of cuts. Marcos quipped: “We trust you, Secretary Dizon, but we do not trust DPWH officers.” The impasse postponed Monday’s meeting, with deliberations deferred for further review.
House allies defended the plea, warning cuts could render projects “unimplementable” and slow growth. Critics, including civil society, fear restored funds could enable insertions despite assurances.
As bicam resumes, the P45 billion tug-of-war tests transparency reforms: In a scandal-scarred sector, restoration isn’t just fiscal—it’s a litmus for trust in cleanup promises.
Budget Versions Comparison:
| Version | Amount (P Billion) | Change from Previous |
|---|---|---|
| NEP Original | 881.3 | – |
| Post-Review | ~626 | -255 (flood cuts) |
| House | 624.48 | – |
| Senate | 570.48 | -54 |
| Restoration Request | +45 | To ~615-624 range |