The Government of the Philippines has raised infrastructure disbursements to PHP1.545 trillion in 2024, exceeding its PHP1.47 trillion program by nearly five per cent, according to the Department of Budget and Management. This 10 per cent year-on-year increase was driven by faster fund releases for key road and transport projects, including foreign-assisted rail developments and defense modernisation efforts.
Infrastructure spending made up 26 per cent of the PHP5.75 trillion total disbursements and accounted for 5.8 per cent of GDP, higher than the 5.6 per cent target. Key contributors included the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Transportation. For 2025, infrastructure outlays are expected to reach at least 5.4 per cent of GDP in line with the government’s medium-term fiscal framework. Total government spending for 2024 rose by 11 per cent to PHP5.93 trillion, with notable increases in personnel services and interest payments.