THE Move As One Coalition on Thursday criticized what it called the ‘crumbs’ allocated for active transport and public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization in the 2026 National Expenditure Program, warning that Filipinos who rely on walking and public transport continue to be treated as ‘second-class citizens.’
In a statement, the group said that despite repeated pronouncements from Malacañang identifying walking and public transport as priorities, active transport was given just P700 million and service contracting P1.3 billion under the spending plan.
‘These are crumbs compared to the billions poured into car-centric infrastructure,’ the coalition said. ‘This budget signals that pedestrians, commuters, and cyclists are still treated as second-class citizens.’
The coalition’s own proposal calls for far larger allocations: more than P101 billion for service contracting, P17.6 billion for public transport modernization, and P20.2 billion for active transport programs such as bike share systems and safe pathways.
In contrast, the National Expenditure Program for 2026 earmarked just P1.3 billion for service contracting, P1.2 billion for modernization, and P69 million for active transport.
Move As One argued that underfunding has left pedestrians vulnerable on roads that remain unsafe and undignified. It cited examples such as the towering ‘Mt. Kamuning’ footbridge in Quezon City, cracked or missing sidewalks, and intersections designed to move vehicles faster rather than prioritize people crossing.
‘This is unacceptable. Laws and policies already recognize walking as a priority-from the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, to the National Transport Policy, to Batas Pambansa 344 on accessibility. But without strong political will, sufficient and strategic funding, and updated standards, they remain empty promises, and pedestrians will suffer daily miseries and indignities,’ the group said.
A 2020 Social Weather Stations survey showed that 77.5 percent of Metro Manila residents walk during their regular travels, with 44 percent walking to work.
‘In truth, every Filipino walks at some point of their day. Yet our streets remain hostile to pedestrians,’ the coalition said.
The group added that persons with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women, children, and workers carrying heavy packages are disproportionately exposed to risks due to poor road design and lack of universal accessibility.
Move As One urged lawmakers to substantially realign the 2026 budget to better reflect national transport priorities. It also pressed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to update its outdated Road and Bridge Design Manuals so streets can finally meet accessibility standards set by existing laws, including Batas Pambansa 344.
‘Congress must fund active transport and public transport properly. DPWH must modernize its road manuals. And we call on every Filipino to join us in walking and working together until our streets put people, not cars, first,’ the group said.