Dizon sets two-week deadline for DPWH 2026 budget review

Newly appointed Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has vowed to complete a two-week review of the agency's proposed 2026 budget, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to thoroughly examine all current and planned infrastructure projects.

"I just think it needs a deadline. It's crucial that we pass this budget since it's not just the DPWH's budget, but the budget of the entire government," Dizon said.

He noted that the review process will involve coordination with DPWH regional offices and implementing units to determine which projects should remain, be modified, or be removed. "We must go through the procedure…but I don't think it should last more than two weeks," he added.

Dizon emphasized that projects under the National Expenditure Program (NEP) must be practical and fully completed within the year they are funded. "We're talking about the 2026 budget, so the projects we undertake should begin, be supported, and be completed entirely by 2026," he explained.

The DPWH chief said he and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman agreed on a two-week timeline, "maximum, pwedeng mas maiksi," to finish the assessment and validate project proposals. He assured that the agency will "work doubly hard" to eliminate questionable allocations.

President Marcos Jr. earlier ordered a comprehensive review of the DPWH's proposed 2026 budget after lawmakers flagged questionable allocations, particularly for flood control projects.