2025 budget to prioritize roads, rail projects

The 2025 infrastructure budget, while continuing to prioritize road networks, marks a significant shift with a substantial increase in funding for railway systems. According to the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD) of the House of Representatives, the upcoming National Expenditure Program (NEP) allocates P1.507 trillion for infrastructure, with nearly 65% of this amount directed towards hard infrastructure, including roads, flood control, and railways.

Despite some concerns about the focus on road networks, the CPBRD report highlights a promising development: a notable surge in the budget for railway infrastructure. The allocation for railway systems in 2025 is set at P103.28 billion, a significant jump from this year’s P1.5 billion, reflecting the government's renewed commitment to enhancing mass transit options across the country.

This increase is a crucial step towards addressing the chronic congestion problems in Metro Manila and other urban centers, where the demand for more efficient public transportation has been growing. The CPBRD emphasized that while road networks remain vital for connectivity, the enhanced funding for railways is a positive move towards balancing the country’s transport system, which has traditionally been car-centric.

The infrastructure plan also includes P977.83 billion for hard infrastructure, with P472.77 billion dedicated specifically to road networks. Although this represents a decrease from the previous year's allocation, it demonstrates a shift towards more strategic investments that could potentially alleviate traffic congestion through improved road quality and connectivity.

In addition to the focus on road and railway infrastructure, P299.75 billion is earmarked for flood control systems, ensuring that the country continues to strengthen its resilience against natural disasters.

While the CPBRD notes the ongoing bias towards road networks, it also acknowledges the potential benefits of this infrastructure spending, especially when combined with the significant increase in railway investment. The think tank suggests that strategic infrastructure projects, such as rail systems, airports, and ports, will play a crucial role in enhancing productivity and economic growth in the long term.

As the government continues to develop its infrastructure strategies, the 2025 budget reflects a balanced approach that aims to address immediate transportation needs while laying the groundwork for more sustainable, long-term solutions. The increased focus on railways, in particular, signals a positive step towards overcoming the country's transportation challenges and reducing the heavy traffic congestion that has long plagued urban areas like Metro Manila.