DPWH budget cut by P255B as P60B reallocated to PhilHealth amid corruption probe

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has had its budget cut by P255 billion, with P60 billion reallocated to PhilHealth amid corruption concerns.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. redirected the P60 billion from flood control projects to PhilHealth, citing the need to prioritize essential services and address corruption issues.

The budget cut follows ongoing investigations into alleged irregularities in DPWH's flood control projects.

The reallocation aligns with Marcos' administration's anti-corruption drive and aims to redirect public funds toward healthcare, education, agriculture, and social welfare.

Senator Joseph Victor 'JV' Ejercito supported the reallocation, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law's provisions, including the No Balance Billing (NBB) policy and expanded benefit packages.

Senator Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan welcomed the move, calling it crucial for rebuilding public trust in the healthcare system and urging PhilHealth to allocate the funds transparently.

The restoration of PhilHealth's funds follows a controversial order by the Department of Finance (DOF) to transfer P89.9 billion in excess PhilHealth funds to the national Treasury, with P60 billion already moved and the remaining P29.9 billion pending due to a Supreme Court TRO.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the restoration of P60 billion that was siphoned from PhilHealth, a move hailed by the Department of Finance (DoF) as a critical step in strengthening universal healthcare coverage for millions of Filipinos.

President Marcos acknowledged concerns about the impact of transferring excess PhilHealth funds to the national treasury, noting that people fear services may be reduced despite assurances they will not be.

The national government has built up savings from various agencies, mainly from the DPWH, whose flood control projects for next year have been scrapped due to alleged anomalous contracts and ghost or substandard projects.