Business · Philippines Bureau
Former DPWH official alleges 25% kickback scheme in 2025 budget projects
A former regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways testified that a quarter of infrastructure funds allocated in the 2025 national budget were distributed as "commitments" to project proponents and lawmakers. The allegation emerged during a bail hearing in a plunder case.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — A former regional official of the Department of Public Works and Highways claimed Thursday that 25 percent of the funds earmarked for infrastructure projects in the 2025 national budget were provided as "commitments"—described as kickbacks—to project proponents and various senators.
The testimony surfaced during the continuation of a bail hearing in a plunder case, as the witness detailed the alleged financial arrangements surrounding the budget allocation process.
The 25 percent figure echoes similar corruption allegations that have previously surfaced in separate cases, suggesting a consistent pattern in how infrastructure funds may have been distributed. The witness indicated that the commitments were made to multiple recipients involved in project implementation.
The allegations form part of ongoing investigations into potential misuse of public funds in the infrastructure sector. Officials have not yet commented on the claims presented during the hearing.
The case continues to unfold as authorities examine the alleged scheme and its scope across multiple projects and budget cycles.