" Reform, Not Reduction: The ₱36 Billion Reallocation "

The decision to deprive the 36 billion from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is a temporary solution that fails to address the root problem: corruption. Punishing the entire agency and the nation for the crimes of a few guarantees poorer long-term development.

 The 36 billion budget must be a tool for fundamental reform and transparency, not an escape hatch for those avoiding tough decisions.

 Fixing the DPWH for Economic Growth is the priority. As Filipino citizens, the demand for competence and accountability is high. The lack of world-class infrastructure is the direct, long-term result of corruption, and its correction must be demanded.

 Furthermore, depriving the DPWH of the budget creates a direct threat to public safety by preventing essential maintenance and disaster resilience projects. The 36 billion must be used as a "Reform Fund" to force transparency, proving that a non-corrupt DPWH is possible for future budgets. Reinvest the funds into essential, high-quality, corruption-free infrastructure (like flood control) to model a new standard. This is the true engine for economic growth and the basis for self-sufficiency. The focus must be on cleaning up the agency, holding the few corrupt individuals responsible, and protecting the many dedicated public servants. 

 Alongside this, social aid must be reformed to move from relief to empowerment. There is full support for helping the truly vulnerable. However, the best way to help the poor is to clean up corruption so an economy can be built where they don't need a permanent handout. Social aid (like 4Ps) should be temporary relief, not a permanent handout. While these programs help break the cycle of poverty, they must be reformed to foster self-sufficiency and break the cycle of dependency. Funding people capable of working who choose not to is a valid and common criticism. Taxes should fund empowerment, not permanent welfare. These programs must transition beneficiaries toward sustainable livelihoods.

 Corruption is not exclusive to the DPWH; public and private corruption can exist in all agencies, to name a few problems. A portion of the 36 billion should fund essential, non-corruptible priorities to build a more resilient society: Employment and Livelihoods (to create jobs); Education and Values (to cultivate upright citizens); Disaster Resilience (to prevent future suffering); and Environmental Protection (e.g., enforcing the Animal Welfare Act and addressing the saturation of strays on our streets).

 The government must fix the public works system for the economy. Don't just shift the burden.

Reference: https://www.facebook.com/share/1A1ZUhUpoL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Date published: September 27, 2025

Click to: Order, inquire, or contact us.