Cebu province has become a major focal point in the controversy surrounding alleged secret budget insertions in the 2025 national budget, receiving approximately P7.58 billion for various infrastructure projects according to claims by former Ako Bicol Party-list representative Elizaldy Co.
Massive Infrastructure Allocations Across Cebu
The alleged insertions, embedded in the General Appropriations Act of 2025, include sprawling road networks, tourism corridors, and barangay connectors. While Cebu doesn't have the single largest allocation among provinces, it stands out for having the densest clusters and widest geographic spread of projects in Co's list.
The southern town of Dumanjug emerges as the biggest recipient with P3.23 billion allocated across 18 different projects. Sibonga follows with substantial funding of P1.05 billion, including major corridor allocations like the P750 million Santander–Barili–Toledo road segment.
Widespread Project Distribution
Substantial multimillion-peso entries appear throughout the province, affecting multiple municipalities and cities. Barili, Malabuyoc, Carcar City, Argao, Badian, and Pinamungahan all received significant allocations.
Smaller but numerous budget items are scattered across Carmen, Compostela, Medellin, San Remigio, Moalboal, Dalaguete, Samboan, Catmon, Bogo City, Oslob, and Cebu City. The projects range from P20 million barangay connectors to comprehensive road packages costing between P150 million and P380 million.
Several cities, municipalities, and barangays appear multiple times throughout the list. Notable specialized projects include a bridge in Talisay City and an airstrip in Dalaguete.
Bidding Status and Verification Challenges
In the bidded portion of these projects, at least five road construction projects worth P310 million have been awarded to contractors. The winning bidders include RCV Villamor Construction, Ascentia Construction Inc., DM Ventures Construction, and QM Builders. Most of these projects have not yet commenced construction.
However, the largest clusters of projects—totaling P7.27 billion—face verification challenges. These projects, which account for the majority of the alleged insertions tied to Cebu, cannot be independently verified for their bidding status or Department of Public Works and Highways listing.
The allegations, if proven accurate, would position Cebu as one of the most heavily funded provincial recipients in the alleged P100 billion in "secret insertions" within the 2025 national budget, raising significant questions about budget transparency and allocation processes.
