DPWH apologizes to Senate over incomplete data filing

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), headed by Secretary Vince Dizon, apologized to the Senate Finance Committee for deficiencies in the data submitted regarding the application of the updated Construction Materials Price Data (CMPD).

“We acknowledge our oversight in providing only the Regional Adjustment Factors and fully agree that this limited information was inadequate for the Committee to accurately determine the specific, project-level adjustments for the nearly 10,000 affected projects,” the DPWH statement released on Tuesday said.

Earlier, Secretary Dizon requested the restoration of about P45 billion in the agency’s budget, noting that it is needed to properly implement DPWH projects. He said the request has the blessing of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The move was supported by Malacañang Palace, as relayed by its spokesperson, Undersecretary Claire Castro.

To address the issue, the DPWH said it has submitted additional, project-category-based data that incorporates key variables such as hauling distances and localized market behaviors, resulting in a more realistic basis for funding.

“The DPWH is fully committed to transparency and to ensuring that all adjustments are made with technical integrity and operational feasibility,” the department said.

Senate Finance Committee chair Sherwin Gatchalian said the committee will study the issue.

“Nag submit ang DPWH ng Revised Adjustment Factors. Pinag-aaralan muna namin ito. Pag validated na, a-apply namin ito sa mga projects sa budget,” Gatchalian told reporters.

(“DPWH has submitted Revised Adjustment Factors. We are studying it first. Once validated, we will apply it to the projects in the budget.”)

“Ang importante sa amin ay walang overpriced items at mai-implement ang mga projects para hindi maapektuhan ang ekonomiya natin,” he added.

(“What’s important for us is that there are no overpriced items and the projects are implemented so our economy is not affected.”)