Philippines House Defers DPWH‘s $15.7 billion Budget Amid Corruption Concerns
MANILA, Philippines - The House of Representatives has postponed deliberations on the proposed ₱881 billion (approximately $15.7 billion USD) budget for the Department of Public works and Highways (DPWH) for 2026. The deferral comes pending a complete review of the budget proposal by both the DPWH and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
the motion to delay consideration of the budget was introduced by Mamamayang Liberal Partylist Rep. Leila de Lima during a session of the House Committee on Appropriations. De Lima argued the committee has a right to demand clarity and amendments to the National Expenditure Program (NEP) regarding the DPWH’s proposed spending.
“I firmly submit that this Committee has every right to compel [the DBM and DPWH] to submit any errata, any amendment, any new proposals, any new provisions, respecting the DPWH budget,” de Lima stated.
the move follows mounting public scrutiny and protests over alleged corruption and the failure of numerous flood control projects contracted to private companies, with the DPWH at the center of the allegations. Demonstrators gathered outside the House of Representatives on September 5th, clashing with anti-riot police as lawmakers began budget deliberations (pictured).
The deferral signals a heightened level of scrutiny over the DPWH’s spending plans and a commitment from some lawmakers to address concerns regarding clarity and accountability within the department. Further updates will be provided as the review process unfolds.
Keywords: Philippines, DPWH, Budget, Corruption, House of Representatives, leila de Lima, DBM, National Expenditure Program, Flood Control, Protests, Manila.