Lacson flags major changes in DPWH budget

Senator Panfilo Lacson has raised concerns regarding significant changes in the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) proposed P666.47-billion budget for 2021, stating the project list was "beyond recognition" and "mangled."

Lacson questioned whether the alterations in the project list were a result of legislative intervention or the DPWH's own actions, suspecting "choice projects" of some legislators may have been accommodated.

Public Works Secretary Mark Villar attributed the late submission of project details to the tight deadline for printing the NEP and the proximity of the budget ceiling announcement.

Lacson noted that the DPWH reduced its budget for national roads and bridges by P11 billion and for tourism-oriented roads by P8.4 billion, while allocations for local infrastructure projects were increased.

Lacson vowed to push for the realignment of what he considers illegal amendments made by the DPWH to its National Expenditure Program (NEP) submission, stating that amending budget proposals is the exclusive function of Congress.