OSAP says no authority over DPWH budget listings

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MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Special Assistant to the President (OSAP) said it does not exercise line-item authority over the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)’s internal budget listings.

In a statement, Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr. said his office has no role in identifying or implementing infrastructure projects,

Lagdameo clarified that recent online posts attempting to link a purported “OP (ES/SAP)” tag appearing in certain alleged DPWH documents to the OSAP, or its officials, are unfounded and misleading. 

He stressed said the OSAP is not an implementing agency and does not possess the technical mandate to plan, select, or prioritize infrastructure projects under the DPWH.

He added that any insinuation that the OSAP exercises control or influence over DPWH budget items is false. 

His office, Lagdameo said, has no authority over the department’s internal budget processes, particularly at the line-item level.

The OSAP issued the clarification amid what it described as recurring attempts to invoke the name of the Special Assistant to the President, or the Office itself, to suggest influence, involvement, or endorsement where none exists. 

Lagdameo said the continued misuse of the SAP’s name, or his office, is improper, irresponsible, and must stop.

While underscoring the importance of accountability, Lagdameo cautioned against reckless accusations driven by unverified or misinterpreted information. He said the pursuit of justice must remain anchored on facts and due process, warning that the circulation of false claims diverts attention from genuine issues and delays their resolution through the appropriate institutions.

Lagdameo reiterated that the OSAP remains committed to transparency and accountability and fully supports agencies and officials conducting legitimate investigations in accordance with the law and in service of the public interest.

He added that the Office is prepared to cooperate with any inquiry conducted in the proper forum, provided it is evidence-based and guided by constitutional principles of due process. 

Until then, Lagdameo said, the OSAP will continue to perform its duties in accordance with its mandate and will not be distracted by speculation.