Closer scrutiny of DPWH projects pushed

Workers repair a portion of a road in Metro Manila (INQUIRER file photo)

MANILA, Philippines — It is about time to look into the projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to avoid kickbacks and other irregularities, Senator Raffy Tulfo said on Monday.

Tulfo said that in some cases, a lawmaker may propose a road project worth P25 billion when the real cost is only P10 billion.

“So, may kickback agad ng (there is aready a kickback of) P15 billion,” he said in an ANC Headstart interview.

“Siguro ‘yan, it’s about time na silipin itong project, project na ito. Legit ba ‘tong project na ‘to? Tama ba ‘yung mga materyales na ginagamit diyan? Tumutuguma ba doon sa amount na requested?” he pointed out.

(Maybe it is about time to look into these projects. Are the projects legitimate? Are the materials used correct? Does it match the amount requested?)

In the 2023 P5.268-trillion national budget, the DPWH will have an allocation of  P718.4 billion.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III earlier questioned the P544 billion in lump sum under the agency’s budget.

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