Cebu Province has emerged as one of the major beneficiaries of the controversial P100-billion "secret insertions" in the 2025 national budget, receiving a substantial allocation of P7.58 billion for various infrastructure projects. This revelation comes from allegations made by former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Elizaldy Co, highlighting how funds were quietly incorporated into the General Appropriation Act.
Major Infrastructure Projects Across Cebu
The massive funding package includes expensive road networks, tourism corridors, and barangay connections spread throughout the province. While Cebu didn't receive the single largest allocation among all provinces, it stands out for having the densest and widest geographic distribution of projects on Co's list.
The southern municipality of Dumanjug emerged as the top recipient, securing an impressive P3.23 billion for 18 different projects. This was followed by Sibonga, which received P1.05 billion in funding allocations.
Key Road Projects and Distribution
Among the significant allocations is a P750-million portion for the Santander-Barili-Toledo road, a major transportation corridor in the region. Other municipalities receiving substantial multimillion-peso allocations include Barili, Malabuyoc, Carcar City, Argao, Badian, and Pinamungahan.
The project scope varies considerably, ranging from moderate P20-million barangay connections to extensive road packages costing between P150 million and P380 million. The portfolio also includes a bridge project in Talisay City and an airport development in Dalaguete.
Contractors and Project Status
At least five road construction projects worth P310 million have already been bid out, with contractors including RCV Villamor Construction, Ascentia Construction Inc., DM Ventures Construction, and QM Builders successfully securing these contracts.
However, the status of the largest projects, totaling P7.27 billion, remains unclear. The bidding status or DPWH listing for these substantial allocations cannot be verified, representing the most significant portion of the alleged secret insertions in Cebu.
Smaller but numerous allocations have been distributed across additional municipalities including Carmen, Compostela, Medellin, San Remigio, Moalboal, Dalaguete, Samboan, Catmon, Bogo City, Oslob, and Cebu City, ensuring widespread infrastructure development throughout the province.
