In a heated Senate hearing, Congressman Rodante Marcoleta and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon discussed the worsening funding issue for the government’s flood control and asset preservation programs. Despite the billions of dollars allocated annually, there still seems to be no clear evidence of success, Marcoleta said. Painfully but frankly, he said: “Projects are not being preserved—that’s why the result is landslides here, bridges collapsing there.”

The focus of the discussion was: why does the budget keep increasing, but the results are not being felt? Why do some districts have up to ₱11 billion in funds, while others only receive about ₱1 billion?

Fat But Empty?

From the proposed ₱880 billion budget of the DPWH for 2026, it suddenly dropped to ₱625.7 billion. According to Marcoleta, even with the reduction, “the fat is still there”—he was referring to the excess funds that are not clear where they are going.

In his analogy: “It’s like the human body, if it’s filled with fat and not removed, death will result.” He criticized the unfair distribution of funds where some districts are suddenly being given multi-billion dollars—but there’s no clear reason why.

“How can we explain a district with a budget of ₱11 billion, while the neighboring district has only ₱3 billion, even though they are the same size and have similar problems?” he asked.

Asset Preservation: A Changing Priority

The lawmaker also noted the fluctuating trajectory of the asset preservation program. From ₱117 billion in 2022, it increased year by year to ₱153 billion in 2025. But it suddenly dropped to ₱105 billion in the proposed 2026 budget.

“Isn’t it like we’re saying that asset preservation is no longer worth it?” Marcoleta asked.

According to Secretary Dizon, this is the only amount approved by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). However, he admitted that it is insufficient and needs to be increased to maintain infrastructure such as roads and bridges.

Rocknet and Kalokohan: Ground Level Trends

Another issue mentioned was the continued use of substandard materials such as rocknet from China. Instead of materials that meet international standards, cheaper ones are bought and used. “It’s like you’re just wrapped in a spider’s web,” Marcoleta said. That’s why even new projects often give in to natural disasters.

The DPWH’s own memorandum regarding the specifications of the materials is also not being followed. According to Dizon, they have removed it to clean up the system. But for Marcoleta, “The budget is expensive but the durability of the project is weak.”

Corruption in Engineering Districts

The widespread issue of corruption in engineering districts also came up in the discussion. According to a study, some districts received more than ₱35 billion from 2022–2025. That means almost ₱8 billion per year for just one district. Marcoleta asked, “How can we explain this if it’s not because of a corrupt system?”

Some senators have suggested eliminating engineering districts or streamlining them. Although it is not yet final, it seems that many support the idea that the ‘illness’ in the system needs to be removed.

Technology and Real-Time Monitoring

Marcoleta also criticized the use of applications like MyPS and PCMA used to monitor projects. According to him, the data is not real-time, which is why many encoders are able to slip through and falsify progress reports.

“Sometimes I only use a cellphone, the signal is weak. The photos are being changed. The system has no integrity,” said Marcoleta.

So he suggested that the Philippine Space Agency help and use satellite data to see the real situation on the ground. “Even if it’s just once a week, this is a big deal,” he added.

It’s Only a Month, But the Problem Has Been a Decade

Although Secretary Vince Dizon has only been in office for about a month, he said he is not here to defend but to fix the department—as ordered by the President.

“This is not a new problem. This has been going on for decades. But with the rest of my time, I will not waste it,” said Dizon.

Marcoleta responded with her sincerity: “Cousin, you’re only a month old but your mustache is already white. I want to help you. I know you want to fix it. I hope we can be together in the change you want to start.”

When Will There Be Equal Treatment?

Behind all this, a question arises: When will there be a fair distribution of government resources? When will the unfair allocation of funds be resolved, and when will the system of favoritism end?

If this is not fixed, the problem will only repeat itself year after year. Floods here, landslides there, a bridge collapsed here. All of this, despite the multi-billion funds allocated.

According to Marcoleta, “air on the side of caution” is not enough—it should be “act on the side of caution.”

In the coming months, it will be tested whether Dizon can truly change a system that has been rooted in corruption and neglect for decades. One thing is clear: it’s not money that’s lacking. The question is—who really gets the extra fat in the budget?