Senate eyes DPWH infra budget reductions

The Senate is considering an across-the-board budget cut of 15 to 20 percent for infrastructure projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as a measure to curb alleged overpricing.

In a radio interview, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the proposal was discussed with Senate finance committee Chairman Sherwin Gatchalian.

“We will cut the funding for each project from 15 to 20 percent,” Sotto said, explaining the move follows revelations that district engineers and officials allegedly inflate project costs to pay “proponents.”

The proposal comes after Gatchalian flagged P10.3 billion worth of allegedly overpriced farm-to-market road projects during the Department of Agriculture’s 2023–2024 budget deliberations.

The Senate leader said a committee report on anomalous flood control projects may be submitted soon to the Department of Justice (DoJ), the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), and the Office of the Ombudsman.

Sotto also confirmed a meeting with Senate Blue Ribbon Committee acting chairman Erwin Tulfo to discuss the direction of the probe.

He added that the Senate majority bloc may try to convince Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson to return as committee chair after his recent resignation.

“At the very least, 50/50 (Lacson would return),” Sotto said. “He might be forced to return because the majority wants it.”

Sotto expects the issue to be resolved before 10 November 2025.