DOTr's P167-B budget for 2023 approved

MANILA: This week, the House of Representatives finally passed a P167.12 billion budget for the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its related agencies for 2023. This budget is an increase of 120.4% over this year.

The North-South Commuter Railway Metro will receive P75.1 billion of the DOTr's budget, which would go primarily to railway construction.

The Cebu Bus Transit Project received P7 billion, the EDSA Busway Project P21 billion, and the EDSA Greenways Project P77 billion, respectively.

Overall, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista noted in a statement released Wednesday night that the House's approval of the DOTr's 2023 budget "highlights the need to provide Filipinos with safe, accessible, comfortable, and affordable transportation, as well as transform the country's transportation system into global standards."

Representative Joseph Gilbert Violago of Nueva Ecija's 2nd District, vice chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, referred to the DOTr as "a partner in nation building," saying that the organization is committed to delivering "a safe and effective transportation system" despite difficulties the nation is currently facing.

Rep. Eric Martinez of Valenzuela City's 2nd District, who is the main budget sponsor, reassured his colleagues that the DOTr is preventing issues with fuel subsidy distribution by issuing a circular.

According to Rep. Martinez, the DOTr shares the House's support for the "Libreng Sakay" Program.

“Sans the pandemic but with the current world crisis we are having, it is really of relevant importance that this project should continue,” he remarked.

The Committee moved on Tuesday to adopt the DOTr and its affiliated agencies' proposed 2023 budget after more than two hours of interpellations and with no objections.

Photos from Department of Transportation (DOTr)

Also read: LTFRB approves standing passengers inside public utility vehicles