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 while Congress weighs allocations in the 2025 national budget.
According to people familiar with the matter, the agency has been re-examining flood-control and other works in Davao Occidental and La Union. Critics contend the focus on earlier projects risks diverting attention from concerns about alleged “insertions” in next year’s spending plan.
“Why backtrack to the 2021 budget while questioning the insertions for the 2025 budget?” one local executive asked. “It looks like they’re reviving old cases to justify new irregularities.”
They also point to perceived inconsistencies between information shared with media and internal records, saying this fuels doubts about the scope and intent of the review.
Local officials maintain that the cited projects were implemented under Department of the Interior and Local Government funding, endorsed by DPWH, and subjected to Commission on Audit procedures.
They argue that revisiting previously audited items without a clear methodology may create the impression of selective enforcement, especially when larger allocations in other districts have also faced questions.
Individuals aware of internal discussions say DPWH is preparing referrals to the Office of the Ombudsman involving certain contractors and officials linked to the 2021 works.
As of press time, no formal charges have been announced and the agency has not released a detailed public update on the status of the review.
Governance analysts note that post-audit scrutiny can be appropriate, particularly where new evidence emerges, but stress the need for transparent criteria, complete documentation, and consistent datasets to avoid politicization.
They warn that framing routine compliance checks as partisan contests can undermine confidence in public procurement and oversight institutions.
“This looks like an old playbook — dig up cleared projects to create noise and shift focus from the present budget mess,” said a governance expert.
Observers urge all parties to publish relevant records, clarify discrepancies, and allow established processes to run their course before drawing conclusions about either the 2021 projects or the 2025 budget proposals.