Lacson questions P46B realignment in DPWH budget, fears pork barrel

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson expressed strong reservations regarding the proposed 2026 budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), specifically a P46 billion realignment by the House of Representatives.

Lacson is concerned that the realignment, which shifts funds from infrastructure to social assistance programs, might be a way to reintroduce "pork barrel" allocations.

The House reportedly redirected P32.6 billion to the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) and P14.82 billion to the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

This reallocation significantly increases the proposed budgets for AICS to P59.5 billion and TUPAD to P26.9 billion.

Lacson highlighted that the DPWH had previously proposed cutting its budget and removing corruption-prone infrastructure projects, including flood control initiatives, to address concerns.

He vowed to meticulously compare the House's version of the General Appropriations Bill with the National Expenditure Program once it is transmitted to the Senate.