Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) revised its 2026 proposed budget, leading to a substantial reduction in flood control projects.

In a Palace press briefing on Wednesday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that the DPWH has reduced its initial budget proposal of PhP881.3 billion by nearly 30 percent.

Castro said the proposed budget for 2026 has been adjusted to PhP625.8 billion following the removal of PhP252 billion in locally funded flood control projects that were flagged for irregularities.

“Sa utos ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na repasuhin ang budget ng Department of Public Works and Highways, tinapyasan na ng ahensya ang kanilang proposed budget ng halos 30 percent mula sa original proposal nito na 881.3 billion pesos. Aabot na lang sa 625.8 billion pesos ang kanilang budget proposal matapos na tanggalin ang lahat ng locally funded flood control projects na nagkakahalaga ng 252 billion pesos,” Castro said.

Castro said that the DPWH has asked Congress to reallocate the PhP252 billion to programs and projects that will directly benefit the people, particularly in the areas of agriculture, education, healthcare, housing, labor, social welfare, and information technology.

The Palace Press Officer reiterated that the administration is pursuing accountability against those involved in anomalous flood control projects.

Under Executive Order No. 94 issued on September 11, President Marcos created the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate and recommend appropriate charges against government officials, employees, or individuals involved in anomalies in flood control and related projects of the DPWH within the last 10 years. | PND