DOTr Vows to Fight for EDSA Busway Funding in 2027 National Budget

MANILA, Philippines — Department of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has vowed to push for funding for the EDSA busway system and other DOTr programs in the General Appropriations Act. Lopez expressed hope that they can fight for the DOTr budget during the House committee hearings on the 2027 national budget. “As to our (National Expenditure Programs), we are not given funding. But let us remember that we have budget hearings in Congress,” Lopez said. “At the end of the day, the provision of the budget falls within the power of the legislature. We will continue to fight for the necessity of such programs.” Among the DOTr initiatives with zero funding under the 2027 NEP are the Public Transport Modernization Program, service contracting and active transport projects. Traffic congestion in Metro Manila has been a persistent challenge, with the EDSA thoroughfare being particularly notorious for its gridlock. The EDSA Busway system is a crucial infrastructure project aimed at alleviating this congestion and improving public transportation efficiency. Sustained operation and expansion of this system critically depend on stable financial support. However, the Philippine national budget formulation process involves congressional deliberation on each department's proposals, meaning DOTr's intentions are not automatically guaranteed. Budget allocations are determined by the country's fiscal situation and competing priorities. Therefore, DOTr faces the task of convincing Congress of the significant impact these transport infrastructure projects have on the daily lives of citizens.