Projects Completed Yet Funded in 2026 National Expenditures Program
Several allocations in the 2026 National Expenditures Program (NEP), the proposed national budget submitted by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), reportedly include funds for projects already completed, officials noted. This discovery has raised concerns over budget planning and transparency.
Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno shared that after receiving the NEP, Marikina 1st District Representative Marcelino Teodoro expressed his intention to return the budget to the DBM because it included funding for finished projects. This prompted Puno to review the allocations for his own district, Antipolo’s first district, revealing discrepancies in project listings.
Flood Control Projects Missing from Budget
According to Puno, the flood control projects in Antipolo’s flood-prone areas—such as Barangays Mayamot, Muntindilaw, and Mambugan—were completely omitted from the NEP. These projects, vital for preventing recurring flooding, were removed despite being prioritized by the district and regional engineering offices of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“We received our NEP, and the funniest example came from Marikina, under Congressman Marcy Teodoro, when his proposed NEP for 2026 arrived, when he saw it — because we were seated beside each other — he said, ‘Sec, I will return this to the DBM.’ I asked why. He said ‘All of the projects listed here are already completed,” Puno said in Filipino.
He added that the flood control projects planned for Mayamot were gone, causing continued flooding issues in areas like Kingsville Subdivision. “What is saddening is that the project should have been worth millions, but it was altered; we don’t know how it was changed. So they have already scored, but they desecrated the budget even more. The P70 million project they turned into P1 million, those worth P100 million were turned into P7 million, and it was chaotic.”
Widespread Issues Across Districts
The issue extends beyond Antipolo, as party leaders and House officials revealed that districts of prominent figures, including the President’s son, Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, experienced similar problems with altered or missing projects in the NEP.
“Those who did this are shameless, because even the Majority Leader said, ‘Sec, you know I also experienced the same thing,” Puno said. The widespread nature of these irregularities has led to urgent discussions on corrective actions.
House Resolution Filed to Investigate Ghost Projects
In response, Puno filed House Resolution No. 201, urging the House to investigate the sponsors behind the alleged “ghost” flood control projects in the 2025 national budget. This move follows the President’s disclosure that a large portion of flood control contracts went to just 15 contractors, and Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson’s recent speech exposing a scheme allegedly used by officials and contractors to divert public funds.
The spotlight on flood control infrastructure intensified after the President condemned officials and contractors accused of receiving kickbacks during his fourth State of the Nation Address. He emphasized that those involved should feel ashamed.
Allegations of Corruption and Mismanagement
Senator Lacson warned that nearly half of the government’s flood control funds amounting to almost P2 trillion since 2011 may have been lost, prompting a thorough review of projects nationwide. He shared how his team uncovered anomalous flood control projects, which triggered social media revelations involving a House lawmaker’s report. Although the lawmaker was not named, the presentation included a post from Oriental Mindoro 1st District Representative Arnan Panaligan’s Facebook account detailing flood control accomplishments.
Panaligan denied any wrongdoing, explaining that the DPWH proposed and implemented the projects, which were already part of the NEP when submitted to the House.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
The uncovering of completed projects still funded in the 2026 National Expenditures Program highlights the need for stricter budget oversight and transparency in government infrastructure programs. Community members and local leaders are calling for immediate action to ensure public funds are allocated properly and projects are genuinely needed.
For more news and updates on flood control projects and government budgeting, visit Filipinokami.com.
