Northern Samar 2nd District Representative and House Committee on Appropriations Vice Chairperson Edwin Ongchuan has urged the Department of Transportation (DoTr) to carefully prioritize projects for funding under the proposed 2027 national budget, with emphasis on investments that will improve the lives of Filipino commuters and workers.

Ongchuan, who led the subcommittee hearing on the DoTr and its attached agencies’ proposed P300.96-billion budget, said the Committee on Appropriations’ responsibility goes beyond reviewing figures and includes assessing how government spending will affect commuters, workers and communities nationwide.

“We must ask, are these investments aligned with the long-term mobility goals? Do they address congestion, safety, and accessibility? And most importantly, will they deliver tangible relief to ordinary Filipinos who rely daily on our transport system?” Ongchuan said during the 3 September hearing.

Ongchuan, who sponsored the DoTr budget, noted that only 30 of the 179 proposed infrastructure projects were included in the National Expenditure Program (NEP), underscoring the need to carefully prioritize projects and ensure the efficient and equitable use of public funds.

DoTr Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez, along with officials from the department and its attached agencies, presented the proposed budget and responded to questions from lawmakers.

The committee sought updates on major transport projects, including the MRT systems, provincial railways, the Metro Manila Subway, ports, passenger terminals, and provincial and regional airports. Lopez reported that the MRT-7 is expected to become operational in the second quarter of 2027.

Lawmakers also raised concerns involving ports and passenger terminals, bus terminal prioritization, right-of-way issues, franchise processing in regional offices, and training for the Maritime Industry Authority.

Lopez repeatedly appealed for greater fiscal space to fund additional projects and address the concerns raised during the hearing.

Committee on Appropriations vice chairperson Rep. Reynante U. Arrogancia commended the DoTr for its transparent and sufficiently detailed presentation of the proposed budget.

“Our country faces many challenges in the transportation sector, and its programs and projected outcomes are viewed as a leading vehicle towards economic development. We, the members of the House of Representatives, are in full support of the proposed 2027 budget of the DoTr,” Arrogancia said.