The Senate is planning a 15% to 20% budget cut on the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) infrastructure projects — a move meant to fight alleged overpricing and corruption.
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III revealed the plan in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB, saying the proposal was discussed with Senate Finance Committee chair Sherwin Gatchalian.
“Across the board, ika-cut namin between 15% to 20% ang pondo ng bawat proyekto,”
(“We’ll cut the budget for each project by 15% to 20%.”)
This bold move comes after reports of inflated project costs by district engineers and officials, who allegedly overprice projects to pay off certain “proponents.”
During earlier budget deliberations, Gatchalian flagged ₱10.3 billion worth of overpriced farm-to-market roads under the Department of Agriculture from 2023 to 2024 — an issue that has sparked public outrage.
Adding to the controversy, Sotto called for a probe into non-operational super health centers — with around 300 facilities discovered to be idle despite having received funding.
The Senate’s findings on anomalous flood control projects are also expected to be submitted soon to the Department of Justice (DOJ), Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), and the Office of the Ombudsman for further action.
Meanwhile, Sotto confirmed that Senator Erwin Tulfo, the acting chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, has met with him to discuss the direction of the ongoing probe.
He added that the majority bloc might convince Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson to return as committee chair after his resignation.
“At the very least, 50/50 [Lacson would return],” Sotto said. “Baka mapilitan kasi gusto namin [majority].”
(“There’s a 50/50 chance he’ll return. He might be persuaded because the majority wants it.”)
Sotto said a decision on the committee leadership and budget review will likely be finalized before November 10.
A major shakeup is coming — and the Senate says this time, the goal is to make every peso count.
