The DPWH received a P529.6 billion budget for 2026, down P94.8 billion from the P624 billion approved by the House.
According to Senate Finance Chair Sherwin Gatchalian, P20.7 billion of the reduction is from savings on overpriced materials in 10,000 projects of the agency. The new calculation now includes logistics, hauling, and other costs, so the projects are closer to their true cost.
P16.5 billion of the savings will be allocated to PhilHealth and P4.2 billion for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management calamity fund.
Gatchalian mentioned that the funds sent to PhilHealth are high, so it is their duty to raise case rates so that our countrymen will pay less or nothing.
He also assured that DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon always coordinates the budget process. All changes, additions or reductions are discussed and reviewed for smooth implementation of projects.
