BAGUIO CITY — Baguio City Lone District Rep. Mauricio Domogan has urged the Department of Public Works and Highways to stop proceeding with infrastructure projects in Northern Luzon that rely on what he described as inaccurate and underestimated material cost evaluations.

Domogan said an analysis of the agency’s unit pricing shows figures that no longer reflect prevailing market prices, a discrepancy he warned could lead to substandard construction quality. He joined other Northern Luzon lawmakers in calling for a temporary suspension of public bidding for projects funded under the P6.793-trillion national budget.

The lawmakers are seeking a delay in the bidding process until the agency updates its price points to better match current market conditions in the region.

Domogan cited cement pricing as one example, noting that while the agency budgets cement at P209 per bag, the prevailing market price has climbed to around P245. He added that the agency’s estimate of P450 per cubic meter for sand and gravel sharply contrasts with the P1,500 valuation reported by the Baguio City Engineering Office.

The lawmaker urged the department to immediately review and revise its pricing standards, warning that contractors are already expressing hesitation to participate in public bidding. He said there is a real risk that projects could receive no bids if funding levels remain insufficient to cover basic material costs.

Domogan cautioned that failure to address these pricing inaccuracies could result in infrastructure failures and reflect poorly on the administration. He said he expects the agency to fulfill its commitment to update material cost estimates to ensure government projects meet safety and quality standards.