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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DPWH probes P10.3-B 'overpriced' farm-to-market roads

DPWH probes P10.3-B 'overpriced' farm-to-market roads

Published Oct 10, 2025 12:02 pm  |  Updated Oct 10, 2025 01:03 pm

At A Glance

  • DPWH probes farm-to-market road projects allegedly overpriced by P10.3 billion.
  • Some projects cost up to 23 times the DA's standard P15,000 per meter rate.
  • Removing alleged 30% markup could cut costs to P10,000 per meter.
  • Investigation may be linked to ongoing flood control probe.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince B. Dizon (Photo: DPWH)
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince B. Dizon (Photo: DPWH)
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has launched an investigation into farm-to-market road (FMR) projects allegedly overpriced by P10.3 billion, based on data submitted by the Department of Agriculture (DA).
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel recently provided data on irregularities in FMR projects, prompting the department to scrutinize the costs.
“Nag-submit ng information sa akin si Secretary Kiko Laurel noong isang araw para mapaaral ‘yung mga problema sa mga farm-to-market roads (Agriculture Secretary Kiko Laurel submitted information to me the other day so that the problems in farm-to-market roads could be studied),” Dizon said.
Senate Finance Committee Chair Sherwin Gatchalian earlier revealed that the overpricing reportedly resulted in losses that could have funded a highway from Manila to Aparri in Cagayan.
Reports showed that some FMR projects cost up to 23 times the DA’s standard P15,000 per meter rate.
Laurel added that removing the alleged 30-percent markup could reduce construction costs to P10,000 per meter.
Malacañang officials noted the investigation could be linked to the ongoing flood control probe, signaling intensified government scrutiny and a push for accountability in infrastructure spending.

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DPWH FMR projects overpricing P10.3 billion Vince Dizon
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