Senator JV Ejercito is drawing praise for defending major transport projects, especially the stalled Mindanao Railway System, after securing funding that the House had cut from the 2025 national budget.
The advocacy group Dare To Ask, which monitors government spending and promotes fiscal transparency, described Ejercito’s amendments as the “good kind of insertions” — those that correct budget gaps and support essential infrastructure.
Ejercito added ₱200 million to the Mindanao Railway System budget and restored allocations for several Department of Transportation (DOTr) projects that were left unfunded in the House version of the General Appropriations Bill.
He explained that the inserted funds will support the Project Management Offices (PMOs) of the Mindanao Railway and the South Long Haul Project, allowing them to process requirements for future loan agreements and overseas development assistance.
“This is the best I can do with what’s left in the budget,” he said, emphasizing that the money ensures the projects won’t die waiting for funding.
Documents shared by Dare To Ask showed Ejercito’s total amendments amounting to ₱868.2 million, including ₱250 million for the PNR South Long Haul Project, ₱100 million for the LRT-1 Cavite Extension, ₱80 million for MRT-4, ₱150 million for the New Cebu International Container Port, ₱68.2 million for the EDSA Greenways Project, and ₱20 million for the Maritime Safety Enhancement Project.
None of these appeared in the National Expenditure Program (NEP) or the House General Appropriations Bill (GAB) but were introduced during Senate deliberations through Ejercito’s initiative.
Ejercito has consistently defended long-term transport infrastructure, warning that repeated budget cuts risk stalling projects meant to boost regional growth.
His amendments, described by supporters as “insertions that build, not enrich,” aim to keep critical railway and transport programs on track.
