Dozens of Philippine transport projects may lack funding in 2027

MANILA, Philippines – Dozens of public transportation projects proposed by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) may go unfunded in 2027, despite the agency seeking a bigger budget. The DOTr is proposing P300.96-billion budget for 2027, higher than its P137.84-billion approved budget in 2026. The DOTr said during the budget hearing on Thursday, September 3, that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved only 30 of the 179 projects proposed by the agency in its 2027 budget proposal. This leaves 149 proposed projects worth P387 billion without funding in the National Expenditure Program (NEP) submitted to Congress. Among the projects that did not receive funding are the rehabilitation of LRT-2, the extension of LRT-1, the EDSA Bus Carousel, and the construction of several transport hubs. Here’s a look at the DOTr projects without budget allocations in the 2027 NEP. The chart, based on the presentation of DOTr during the budget hearing, only shows 127 of the 149 projects identified by the agency. The DOTr also said no funds were earmarked for right-of-way acquisition for several railway projects, including the Metro Manila Subway, MRT-4, Mindanao Railway, PNR South Long Haul Project, and LRT-2 West Extension. The agency also sought at least P5 billion in fuel subsidies for the transport sector, which has been affected by rising fuel prices. DBM, however, did not allocate funds for the subsidy in the 2027 budget proposal. At least 32 airports likewise have no earmarked funding for 2027, the DOTr said. In the maritime sector, only one of the 91 locally funded projects proposed by the DOTr has an allocation in the 2027 budget proposal. Under the budget process, government agencies such as the DOTr submit their proposed budgets to the DBM. The DBM reviews these proposals and determines how much funding each agency will receive, including which proposed projects will be included. The DBM-approved budget is then transmitted to Congress for deliberations. Lawmakers can realign funds, increase or reduce an agency’s allocation, and provide additional funding for projects before the final budget is approved. For 2027, a huge chunk or 83.7% of DOTr’s budget is earmarked for the Office of the Secretary. The chart below shows the budget proposal for DOTr’s attached agencies. Active transport advocacy group Move as One Coalition earlier questioned the lack of funding for public transportion. “A supermajority — 94% — of Filipinos do not own cars; 94% support the construction of safer, wider bicycle lanes and walkways. Why are their mobility needs not reflected in the proposed National Expenditure Program 2027?” the coalition said in a statement. – Rappler.com