DPWH Sec. Vince Dizon Speaks on Reduced Budget for Agency
VINCE DIZON – The Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary vowed that the DPWH budget will be used right.
The bicameral conference committee has concluded. Previously, one of the issues during the bicam was the request of the DPWH to restore a part of the budget cut from the agency’s initial proposed fund for 2026. The agency asked for P45 billion.
The request for the bicam to restore P45 billion in the budget of the DPWH made by Public Works Sec. Vince Dizon is in line with the implementation of around 10,000 projects. According to Dizon, there are allegedly changes in the Construction Materials Price Data (CMPD).
The request of DPWH Sec. Vince Dizon earned different reactions from the senators. Presidential sister and Senator Imee Marcos claimed that the problem is the change of script of Dizon. The Senator also emphasized that the agency is asking for additional budget but their chief does not trust the district engineers who will have to implement the projects.
As for Senate President Tempore Ping Lacson, the bicam is allegedly appearing as the villain if they will add to the budget of the DPWH. According to him, the agency should clarify it if there’s a miscalculation.
The bicam concluded with P529 billion budget for the DPWH for 2026. It is 40% lower than the agency’s budget last year. Based on a post of News5 on social media, Public Works Sec. Vince Dizon was asked if the reduced budget will affect the agency.
“Unang-una nagpapasalamat po tayo sa bicameral conference committee, sa Senate at sa House lalong-lalo na kay Sen. Win Gatchalian at Congresswoman chairperson Mika Suansing. Grabe po ‘yung ginawa nilang trabaho. Kitang-kita naman ‘yung transparency at ‘yung openness nun na ginawa nila which is unprecedented. Congratulations to the Senate and the House,” Dizon said.
DPWH Sec. Vince Dizon claimed that the reduced budget for the agency is fine with him. He stressed that what is important is that it will be implemented right.
“The DPWH budget, at least P529 billion which is 40% lower than the P881 billion originally-proposed in the NEP. More than P300 billion lower. Okay lang ‘yun kasi naniniwala ako, naniniwala ang Pangulo, at naniniwala din ang Kongreso na ang importante sa budget ay malinis siya at ma-implement siya ng tama,” he said.
Based on the post, Dizon further stressed that what is wrong is if the projects turn into ghost or substandard projects. According to him. even if the DPWH budget is down by 40%, they will ensure that it will be used right.
“Ang masama kapag ang mga proyekto sa budget ginawang ghost, ginawang substandard, pinagkakitaan. ‘Yun ang masama. ‘Yun ang nakita natin nitong mga nakaraang taon. Kahit na bumaba ‘yan 40%, ‘yang budget na iyan ay mapupunta sa mga kababayan natin para sa mga tamang project na makakatulong sa kanila. Gagamitin natin ng tama ang budget na ipinagkaloob sa atin ng Kongreso,” the DPWH Chief said.
Previously, House Speaker Bojie Dy spoke on the DPWH budget amid the bicam.