by Miriam G Desacada TACLOBAN CITY – Northern Samar 2nd District Rep. and House Appropriations Vice Chair Edwin C. Ongchuan led the subcommittee hearing on the Department of Transportation’s proposed ₱300.96-billion budget for FY 2027 on September 3, 2026. As sponsor of the DOTr budget, Ongchuan said the committee’s role is not just to scrutinize numbers, but to ensure transport investments directly benefit commuters and communities. “Our task is not only to review figures but to weigh their impact on commuters, workers, and communities. Are these investments aligned with long-term mobility goals? Do they address congestion, safety, and accessibility? Most importantly, will they deliver tangible relief to ordinary Filipinos? Ongchuan said. He also flagged that only 30 out of 179 proposed infrastructure projects were included in the National Expenditure Program, stressing the need to prioritize and spend public funds efficiently. DOTr Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez presented the budget and answered questions on major projects including the MRT-7, Metro Manila Subway, provincial railways, ports, airports, and passenger terminals. Lopez said MRT-7 is targeted to open in Q2 2027. The hearing also covered the EDSA Busway, Public Transport Modernization Program, PUV loan concerns, active transport, tollway flooding, rail safety, and MARINA training. Subcommittee co-chair and Appropriations Vice Chair Rep. Reynante U. Arrogancia commended DOTr for its detailed presentation and expressed full House support for the 2027 budget. “Our country faces many challenges in transportation, and its programs are seen as a leading vehicle for economic development,”_ Arrogancia said. Lopez meanwhile appealed for more fiscal space to fund additional projects. Please share Post navigation House to DENR: Suspend Mangrove Earth-Balling During Policy Review
