DoTr budget to soar to P196.6B in 2026 for major transport projects

The Department of Transportation (DoTr) is set to receive a massive funding boost in 2026, with its proposed budget more than doubling this year’s allocation, Budget Secretary Amenah “Mina” Pangandaman announced.

Under the emerging 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP), the DoTr will get P196.62 billion—up by nearly P110 billion from the P87 billion allotted in the 2025 General Appropriations Act.

The sharp increase will largely fund foreign-assisted big-ticket projects, including the North-South Commuter Railway System, Metro Manila Subway Project Phase I, New Cebu International Container Port, and New Dumaguete Airport Development.

Additional allocations will also support new airports in Antique, Ormoc, Catbalogan, Kalibo, and New Naga, along with expanded funding for Bukidnon Airport. TRACY CABRERA