Larger infrastructure allocations require justification through local needs and proper project delivery, according to Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong in defense of the 2027 national budget allocations.
Alonto Adiong addressed questions regarding the proposed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) funding linked to Ilocos Norte’s 1st District, represented by Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos.
The query cited a comparison by BetterGov between the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP) and the House budget proposal, which showed associated project allocations rising from P369 million to about P4.74 billion, reflecting an increase of approximately P4.38 billion.
These figures represent proposed project allocations mapped to a DPWH office rather than funds directly received by a lawmaker.
Speaking on community requirements, project quality, and work continuity, Alonto Adiong emphasized the importance of proper implementation.
“What is important is tama po, accurate yung paglalagyan based on the needs of the area, the constituency and what is important it should be implemented well,” Alonto Adiong said during the October 29 briefing.
He noted that the true measure of public spending includes verifying that intended projects exist and meet quality standards.
“And what is ultimately important as well is that these projects are implemented 100% effectively. At hindi po ghost at hindi po substandard,” Alonto Adiong also said.
The Lanao del Sur 1st District representative explained that certain budget allocations cover multi-year developments that require continuous financing to prevent wasted expenditure on unfinished infrastructure.
“So I think it’s just a matter of justifying it and making sure the public understands that what is important if these projects are multi-year, it should be continuously funded by the government kasi multi-year yan,” Alonto Adiong said.
While not offering a line-item evaluation of the Ilocos Norte projects during the briefing, he conditioned his defense of larger allocations on local demand and proper execution.
“If these projects are well-implemented and if it’s well-implemented, I don’t see any problem with a certain district getting much of the allocation,” Alonto Adiong also said.
He noted that individual districts face varying infrastructure demands influenced by geography and ongoing development commitments.
“Magkakaiba po ang pangangailangan ng mga distrito, at magkakaiba rin po ang din na pondo ng mga distrito. Kasi depende po yan sa pangangailangan ng distrito na yan,” Alonto Adiong said.
Separately, Alonto Adiong cited the funding requirements of the Marawi Compensation Board as a reason to seek a possible budget realignment during bicameral conference committee discussions, though he did not specify an amount for the proposed adjustment.