MANILA — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is facing questions from some local officials and policy analysts over its renewed review of selected 2021 infrastructure projects, even as deliberations continue on proposed allocations in the 2025 national budget.
The DPWH has flagged alleged irregularities in flood-control and other works in Davao Occidental and La Union, according to people familiar with the matter. Some local executives argue the focus is misplaced and say the move could distract from debates on next year’s outlays.
They claim the agency’s public disclosures on the 2021 projects have not been consistent with internal documents they have seen.
“Why revisit the 2021 budget while the 2025 insertions are being discussed?” one local official said, asserting that projects in their area were implemented and audited.
The official, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the talks, said all projects cited were funded through the Department of the Interior and Local Government, endorsed by the DPWH, and subject to Commission on Audit review.
Individuals aware of the agency’s plan said the DPWH is preparing to refer certain cases to the Office of the Ombudsman involving contractors and officials linked to the earlier projects. As of press time, no formal charges have been announced.
Governance commentators said revisiting closed or previously audited projects is not improper per se, but urged transparency on criteria, scope, and data sources to avoid perceptions of selective enforcement. They added that any findings should be backed by documentary evidence and subjected to standard investigative processes.
The DPWH has not issued a detailed public statement on the status of the 2021 project reviews or on the concerns raised by local officials. Requests for the agency’s comment were not immediately returned.
Observers cautioned that framing routine audit activities through a political lens could erode public trust. They urged all parties to disclose complete records and allow oversight institutions to conclude their work before drawing conclusions.
Business News Asia
