Philippine Congress Budget: Reward and Punishment for Loyalty and Defiance

The proposed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget for 2027 in the Philippines reveals a significant allocation favoring districts of legislators close to the House leadership and the President's office, while drastically cutting funds for districts of lawmakers who opposed or abstained from Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment. This highlights the long-standing "pork barrel" practice and the reality of resource allocation based on political loyalty within the congressional budget.