President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed a comprehensive review of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) proposed budget for 2026, directing both the DPWH and the Department of Budget and Management to conduct the evaluation.
The directive follows mounting concerns over allegedly fraudulent “ghost” flood control projects and anomalies identified in DPWH operations.
New Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, appointed on September 1, 2025, has also ordered courtesy resignations from key officials and vowed to blacklist contractors tied to substandard or nonexistent projects.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Audit (COA) has launched a fraud audit of flood control projects in Bulacan, demanding technical personnel verify the physical presence and compliance of these initiatives.
In response, the DPWH plans to submit its revised budget proposal to Congress within the next two weeks.
As the budget review unfolds and audits continue, stakeholders await clarity on whether this move will reset infrastructure priorities or lead to deeper reforms—setting the stage for pivotal decisions ahead.
