By DAVE SUAN ALBARADO

Rep. Alexie Besas-Tutor of Bohol’s 3rd District is listed as having the highest amount of associated projects in the controversial 2025 Department of Public Works and Highways budget, according to a leaked document reported by news outlets. 

An analysis of official DPWH budget data for Central Visayas (Region 7) shows her district has consistently received the largest annual allocations in the region since at least 2023.

The document, known as the “DPWH Leaks,” shows allocations totaling P2.7 billion pesos linked specifically to Tutor for 2025, the highest among lawmakers named nationwide. 

Official DPWH data for the General Appropriations Act (GAA) from fiscal years 2023 to 2026 shows Bohol’s 3rd District has been allocated a cumulative P19.84 billion pesos – the highest total of any district in Region 7 over the four-year period.

The report surfaces during a national investigation into alleged corruption within the agency’s flood control and infrastructure programs. 

The “DPWH Leaks” document, as reported by the Bilyonaryo News Channel, lists former Negros Oriental 2nd District Rep. Manuel Sagarbarria with P2 billion pesos in associated projects. 

The official DPWH data provides context for the district-level allocations. 

For the 2025 fiscal year, Bohol’s 3rd District is slated to receive P6.55 billion pesos from the DPWH, according to the GAA. 

This is more than double the allocation for either of Bohol’s other two districts and is among the highest single-district allocations in Central Visayas for that year. 

Only Cebu’s 7th District, at P11.63 billion pesos, and 4th District, at P8.41 billion pesos, are budgeted to receive more for 2025.

The leaked information has intensified scrutiny on “congressional insertions,” the practice where legislators designate projects for their districts in the national budget. 

Critics call the process opaque and prone to graft, while defenders say it addresses local needs.

PROJECTS, TRANSPARENCY

In Bohol’s 3rd District, constituents question whether the consistently large budget allocations have led to proportional, tangible improvements.

Several residents reported seeing repeated repairs to the same roads and flood control structures, like riprap walls, that show little lasting effect. 

Others noted ongoing issues with road conditions in mountainous areas and classroom shortages, despite the district leading the region in infrastructure funding.

The leaked “DPWH Leaks” document does not detail the specific projects comprising the P2.7 billion pesos linked to Tutor, nor their locations or status. 

The official regional budget table also lists only total amounts by district without project details. 

Anti-corruption advocates are calling for public disclosure of itemized project lists, including contractors, timelines and work scopes.

“We see the numbers, but we need to see the plan,” said one barangay captain, who asked not to be named. “Our district gets the most funding in the region, year after year. Are these for for roads up in the mountains, for new classrooms? People want to know what was built, where, and if it works.”

The DPWH has long been criticized for corruption, particularly in flood control projects. 

Common issues cited in audits and investigations include overpricing, the use of substandard materials, “ghost” or incomplete projects, and a lack of cohesive planning.

Rep. Tutor’s office has not yet issued a statement regarding the leaked document or the district’s consistent top ranking in regional DPWH budgets.