LSN News › Philippines

Business · Philippines Bureau

DPWH chief denies 'leadership fund' in 2027 budget proposal

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has rejected claims of a 'leadership fund' in the department's proposed 2027 budget, asserting that all projects must meet strict compliance requirements.

LSN Philippines · 26 August 2026

MANILA — The Department of Public Works and Highways has no 'leadership fund' in its proposed 2027 budget, with Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon clarifying on Wednesday that all infrastructure projects must undergo rigorous compliance procedures before approval.

Dizon's statement comes as the agency continues to defend its budgeting practices amid ongoing scrutiny from lawmakers and the public. The secretary emphasized that the DPWH maintains strict protocols to ensure that funding allocations are transparent and accountable, with each project subject to the agency's established requirements.

The clarification appears to address earlier concerns raised about discretionary spending within the DPWH's budget proposals. The department has faced increasing pressure to demonstrate fiscal responsibility and adherence to procurement standards as infrastructure projects remain critical to the government's development agenda.

The 2027 budget proposal is expected to undergo further legislative review in the coming weeks as Congress evaluates funding priorities across various government agencies.