Trust Before Trillions: Why DPWH Can’t Ask for More Until It Answers for the Past

Before asking for a bigger budget, an agency must first earn back the people’s trust.

That was the blunt message delivered by Kiko Barzaga following renewed calls for a DPWH budget increase, even as unresolved corruption allegations and questionable fund insertions continue to haunt the department.

Barzaga’s statement cuts through the noise:

“DPWH must first regain the public’s trust before they propose a budget increase.”

The criticism comes at a time when billions in DPWH funds—from flood control projects to district allocations—are under scrutiny. Despite the absence of accountability, some lawmakers are already pushing for higher budgets, as if money alone could fix a credibility crisis.

The public is asking a simple question:
How can an agency demand more funds when no major convictions have been secured for alleged misuse of billions?

A budget is not a reward.
It is a responsibility.

Without accountability, increasing allocations only magnifies the risk—bigger budgets mean bigger losses when systems fail.

Scripture gives a clear principle:

“Whoever is dishonest with very little
will also be dishonest with much.”
— Luke 16:10

Public trust is not restored through speeches or promises.
It is restored through transparency, prosecution, and reform.

Politikanta Minute takeaway:
Until stolen funds are recovered and wrongdoers are punished, calls for a DPWH budget increase are not bold—they are premature.