House panel questions DPWH over slow fund releases

LAWMAKERS on Wednesday questioned the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) over the pace of fund releases for infrastructure projects after it reported only about 10% of its 2026 budget has been disbursed so far.

During the House Committee on North Luzon Growth Quadrangle Hearing, Baguio Rep. Mauricio G. Domogan pressed the agency on the status of fund releases five months into the year.

DPWH Undersecretary Ricardo P. Bernabe said around P40 billion has been released so far, accounting for 10% of the agency’s 2026 budget.

Mr. Bernabe explained that the pace of releases was affected by compliance requirements and budget adjustments. “We have directed our implementing offices to submit the required documents being asked by the DBM (Department of Budget and Management)… as we receive them, we transmit to the DBM,” he said.

He added, “What was agreed upon is every time that we have complete submissions, they will release the SARO (special allotment release order) to us.”

Mr. Bernabe also pointed to budget revisions following deliberations as a factor in delays.

“During the Senate committee, we were tasked to revise the line items to add station limits. So, because there was a revision in our budget, everything was automatically tagged under FISARO (funded items under special allotment release order),” he said.

Under this setup, funds remain subject to issuance of SARO before implementation can proceed.

Abra Rep. Joseph B. Bernos also raised concerns on stalled and continuing projects that were not released, particularly infrastructure works such as bridges in his district.

“Are there plans for the department that FLR (for later release) projects, especially those continuing appropriations, that they can be included in the 2027 budget?” he asked.

Mr. Bernabe confirmed these would be carried over, adding that FLR-tagged projects are those not included in the original National Expenditure Program but introduced during the budget deliberations. — Pexcel John Bacon