MANILA — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) did not include the Public Transport Modernization Program, previously called the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), in its list of priority projects for 2025, said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Wednesday.

That was the explanation of DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman as to why her agency approved a smaller budget than requested for the equity subsidy provided by the government to consolidated transport groups looking to buy modern jeepney units, under the 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP).

“Hindi nila sinama as priority project nila yung PUV modernization when we were doing our budget call,” said Pangandaman during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay media forum.

DOTr Undersecretary Andy Ortega earlier told ABS-CBN News that the agency originally sought a P2.9 billion equity subsidy budget for next year as more groups look to modernize their fleet.

DOTr says with 83% consolidation rate, no need to suspend PUV modernization program

But he said the DBM only approved nearly a billion pesos due to fiscal constraints.

According to Pangandaman, the DOTr may still seek the help of Congress should it wish to increase the budget for this particular modernization component.

“If they think it’s necessary, they can maybe request funding for it. They can ask, maybe, the Congress to help them. Wala na sa atin yung budget e,” said Pangandaman.

Ortega had also said that the DOTr does indeed plan to do that.

According to Pangandaman, under the 2025 NEP or the proposed national budget it submitted to Congress, the DOTr already got a significant budget increase but is geared more towards infrastructure development.

“More than double yung increase ng budget nila for us to be able to fund yung mga priority projects nila like airports, ports, and mga train projects nila,” said Pangandaman.

The DOTr’s proposed budget for 2025 was raised to P180.9 billion, from P73.9 billion in the 2024 General Appropriations Act.