₱1.47-T infrastructure plan faces tighter checks

The government is putting tighter safeguards around its proposed ₱1.47-trillion infrastructure spending program for 2027, with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) assuring the public that projects must clear a series of evaluations before receiving funding.

The DBM said last week that infrastructure proposals included in the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP) underwent evaluation and validation to determine whether they are necessary, properly supported, and ready for implementation.

“The higher infrastructure allocation is accompanied by safeguards beginning at the budget preparation stage,” the DBM said, adding that agencies were required to submit complete documentary requirements for proposed projects.

“These safeguards form part of the government’s effort to ensure that infrastructure projects entering the proposed national budget are necessary, properly supported, aligned with national and regional priorities, implementation-ready, and capable of delivering measurable benefits to the public,” it added.

Among the factors considered were consistency with national and regional development priorities, project maturity, implementation readiness, an agency’s absorptive capacity and previous budget utilization, expected outcomes and overall value to the country.

Depending on a project’s stage and nature, supporting documents may include feasibility studies, detailed engineering requirements, procurement plans, right-of-way documentation, permits and clearances, coordination records with local government units and implementing agencies, and certifications preventing duplication of projects.

The DBM said an agency’s ability to actually spend its allocation was also considered before additional funding was proposed.

Projects approved under the national budget will remain subject to procurement, budgeting, accounting, auditing, monitoring and transparency rules throughout implementation.

Region-specific projects may likewise undergo the Regional Development Council (RDC) process to ensure consistency with regional development plans and priorities.

“RDC endorsements form part of the supporting requirements considered during the evaluation of agency budget proposals,” the DBM said.

The proposed government-wide infrastructure allocation of ₱1.47 trillion for 2027 represents a ₱178-billion, or 13.8-percent, increase from the ₱1.29 trillion provided under the 2026 General Appropriations Act. The amount is equivalent to 4.4 percent of gross domestic product.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) alone is proposed to receive ₱643.95 billion for infrastructure projects.

The DBM said the increased spending is intended to support economic growth, create jobs, improve connectivity and reduce logistics and travel costs.

“The objective is not higher infrastructure spending for its own sake, but better infrastructure spending that produces measurable economic and social returns — from faster movement of people and goods and lower logistics costs to stronger regional economies, more jobs, and improved access to essential services,” it said.

The DBM said the extensive screening is intended to ensure that the government’s larger infrastructure budget translates into projects that can actually be implemented and deliver tangible benefits to communities and the broader economy.