The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) loses track of proposed budgets once they are submitted to Congress, acting Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo admitted before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Monday, December 15.

Toledo emphasized that the DBM was “not aware” of insertions made in previous budgets, highlighting that such adjustments occur at the legislative level without the agency’s direct knowledge.

The disclosure came amid the ongoing ICI investigation into alleged anomalies in the nationwide flood control projects, which have drawn scrutiny over questionable allocations.

ICI commissioner Rogelio Singson expressed disappointment that only ₱26 billion was vetoed in the 2025 budget, despite several insertions originating from carved-out projects.

“What happened was it was further aggravated by 200 billion from the budget of DPWH so the total insertion came out to the additional 270 plus additional 200 coming from the NEP,” Singson said.

“I think that is why we have this huge problem because really the insertions is not just 271 but an additional of about 200 from the NEP that was submitted by the DPWH,” the commissioner added.

In response, Toledo said the agency was unaware of the insertions and added that coordination with the DPWH would be necessary should such projects need to be further discussed.

“It’s unfortunate that we were not aware of the insertions coming from legislators since it’s a process conducted entirely at the legislative level,” Toledo said.