Senator Erwin Tulfo is calling for lawmakers to step back from the government’s infrastructure projects, stressing that Congress’ role is to make laws—not to meddle with budgets or public works.
Speaking in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB, Tulfo said senators should only act as a bridge between local governments and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“Dapat yung insertions, di na dapat trabaho ng mambabatas. Bigyan mo ng pondo yung DPWH, then the mayor will tell the senator na kelangan ng tulay. Then, the senator will write a letter to the DPWH para yung DPWH yung kokontak kay mayor,” Tulfo explained.
He emphasized that lawmakers should not handle budget insertions, project bidding, or appointments.
“Ang trabaho ng mambabatas ay gumawa ng batas, hindi siya yung tatao sa DPWH,” he added.
Billions in Budget Insertions
Tulfo’s remarks come amid controversy surrounding the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA). Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson revealed that “almost all” senators of the 19th Congress inserted at least ₱100 billion worth of items into the budget.
A 24 Oras special report also highlighted how these so-called insertions can allegedly happen at multiple stages—from the drafting of the National Expenditure Program (NEP), to small committees, bicameral meetings, and even project bidding itself.
Former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo earlier linked several lawmakers, including Senator Chiz Escudero, ex-senators Bong Revilla Jr. and Nancy Binay, and Rep. Zaldy Co, to questionable flood control projects. The senators have since denied these allegations.
Reforming DPWH Offices
Tulfo also threw his support behind proposals to abolish district engineering offices, which he said are often prone to political interference. Instead, he suggested creating provincial engineering offices under the DPWH.
“Tama po yun. Kailangan siguro pag-aralan ng mabuti para wala nang pakialaman ang congressman sa appointment ng mga district engineer,” Tulfo said.
Former Senate President Tito Sotto earlier made a similar proposal, saying DPWH district offices should be replaced with regional ones to keep politics out of infrastructure management.
