DOTC seeks approval of P32.7-B proposed budget

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is seeking the approval of its proposed budget of P32.7 billion to enhance the performance of key industries through safe, reliable, and affordable mode of transport.

Transportation Secretary Manuel Roxas II said during the budget hearing that next year’s proposed budget is lower than this year’s P34.5 billion, but is meant to reduce poverty and promote growth in the country by improving the performance of tourism, agriculture, and industries through the provision of better access to goods and services.

Roxas said the agency intends to use the proposed budget to develop a seamless and integrated transportation network to encourage more people to shift to mass transportation.

“The department also aims to improve the mobility of people and goods to get them to their destination safer, more comfortably and at an affordable cost,” the DOTC chief said.

According to him, the DOTC is committed to ensure greater transparency and openness in the procurement process in order to obtain the best cost for the government as it continues to embark on transportation projects.

He added that the agency would further pursue the use of alternative fuels in transportation to lessen the country’s dependency on conventional fuels as provided under the Philippine Tourism Development Plan.

He revealed that about P31.1 billion would go to projects and programs

Meanwhile, the agency reported a 20 percent increase in income to P1.2 billion in the first semester of the year from P1 billion in the same period last year.

Members of the Committee on Appropriations, chaired by Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio A. Abaya, and other members of the House who joined the deliberations, have expressed support for the proposed DOTC budget.