The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that the Senate has approved the agency and its attached offices’ proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The approval came on Thursday after majority and minority members agreed to terminate seven hours of interpellations on the measure.
The approved budget aligns directly with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for the DOTr to prioritize transport infrastructure projects that will deliver tangible benefits to the commuting public.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez expressed his profound gratitude to the upper chamber for their swift approval, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to improving the daily plight of commuters nationwide.
“The DOTr’s proposed budget will allow us to implement commuter-centric projects and initiatives,” Secretary Lopez stated. “Malaking tulong po ito para matupad ang layunin ng Pangulo na gawing komportable, ligtas at mas maginhawa ang araw-araw na biyahe ng mga komyuter (This is a huge help in achieving the President’s goal of making the daily commute comfortable, safe, and more convenient for our commuters).”
Secretary Lopez specifically extended his sincere thanks to DOTr budget sponsor Senator JV Ejercito, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Senate President Senator Tito Sotto, Senate pro tempore Senator Panfilo Lacson, Senate Majority Leader Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, and Senate Minority Leader Senator Alan Peter Cayetano for their support and exhaustive review of the proposed measure.
The 2026 budget will enable the DOTr to strengthen measures and accelerate key projects designed to enhance the efficiency, safety, and comfort of the country’s public transportation systems in line with the national infrastructure development agenda.
