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News Article: Progressive Groups Protest DPWH's Budgeting Irregularities in Central Visayas
In a recent development, progressive groups in Cebu, including Sanlakas Cebu, Kabataan, and student activists, staged a protest outside the Cebu City District Engineering Office in Barangay Tinago. The demonstrators, expressing their dismay, hurled tomatoes at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) logo.
The protest was sparked by allegations of irregularities and suspected anomalies in the DPWH's budgeting for 2026. The progressive group Bayan-Central Visayas has been vocal about these issues, demanding transparency and accountability in the allocation and use of funds.
The Fifth District, which includes Danao City, Liloan, Borbon, Carmen, Catmon, Compostela, Sogod, and the towns in Camotes islands: Pilar, Poro, San Francisco, and Tudela, has been at the centre of these concerns. A flood control project in Liloan, built by a firm linked to the controversial Discaya couple, has recently been in the news.
Fifth District Rep. Duke Frasco has announced a cash reward of P500,000 for credible information on anomalies or irregularities in flood control projects within the fifth district. Frasco has also asked the DPWH 7 to conduct a full review of all projects in the district.
The DPWH's 2026 budget deliberations at the House of Representatives were deferred due to erroneous entries. Absence of allocations for multi-year projects was observed in the DPWH's budget proposal, and multiple funding entries for similar projects were found.
In response, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon has promised to make necessary corrections. ML Party-list Rep. and House Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima has also instructed the DPWH to rectify these issues within one to two weeks.
However, the ongoing hearings and investigations have been described as "drama" by Bayan-Central Visayas convener Jaime Paglinawan, implying the involvement of senators and congressmen in controversies.
Frasco, in his stance against corruption, has stated that he will not tolerate any irregularities or substandard work. He supports transparency and accountability in all government-funded projects. Individuals can report such information through hotline number 0956 279 4183 or the Citizens' Complaint Hotline 8888.
The public is urged to take action against these alleged irregularities, as the quality and efficiency of government projects depend on the integrity and transparency of their funding and execution.
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