SEN. Christopher “Bong” Go questioned the Department of Transportation (DOTr) over delays in the implementation of projects already funded under the 2026 national budget, stressing that government agencies must account for previous appropriations before they seek billions of pesos in funding for 2027.
During the Senate deliberations on the DOTr’s proposed 2027 budget, Go cited the delayed development of Mati Airport in Davao Oriental, for which Congress provided P700 million under the 2026 General Appropriations Act.
"What we are discussing here is the 2027 budget. But I just want to know, what is the status of the 2025 projects and the 2026 projects? Are we going to approve 2027 projects when there are still projects from 2026 that have not even been started?" he said.
"We’re already nearing the end of 2026, and they haven’t even started yet. Why are we immediately approving projects for 2027?" he added.
Go said the issue extends beyond the DOTr, noting that Congress must closely examine the utilization and implementation of previous appropriations across government before approving succeeding budgets.
“We’ve noticed that many agencies keep approving the 2027 budget, even though a lot of the funds allocated for 2025 and 2026 have yet to be used, and many of the projects have not even been started," he said.
He particularly sought an explanation regarding Mati Airport, citing its importance to Davao Oriental’s connectivity, tourism and economic development.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez explained that the DOTr itself had sought congressional funding for Mati City airport and several other airports.
Lopez said the right-of-way acquisition needed to extend Mati Airport’s runway has already been completed.
The planned 2,100-meter runway would allow the airport to accommodate larger aircraft and serve as an alternative airport during disasters and emergencies.
He said the DOTr has requested the release of funds from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) not only for Mati Airport but for other airport projects such as Daet, Catbalogan, Camiguin and Cauayan.
Go asked the DOTr to submit a list of airport and other transportation projects funded in 2026 that have yet to be implemented.
“We have to make sure that funds are utilized efficiently, projects are implemented on time, and long-delayed infrastructure is finally completed and made operational," he said.
