President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to significantly reduce the cost of materials used in government infrastructure projects after uncovering that several items were overpriced by as much as half their value.
Speaking at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City before his departure for the 47th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, Marcos said the move could save the government an estimated ₱30 billion to ₱45 billion—funds that could instead bolster essential public services.
“The Department of Public Works and Highways continues to review projects and contracts and to file cases against those who have perpetrated corruption,” the President stated.
He added that the DPWH’s audit found steep overpricing in key materials such as asphalt, steel bars, and cement. “Actually, there are some egregious examples where it’s even more than that,” Marcos said.
The President underscored that lowering construction costs is vital to ensure transparency and proper use of public funds. “This is money that we can use for services such as health, education, and food that our people desperately need,” he noted.
In addition to the directive to the DPWH, Marcos also ordered the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to “recalibrate its priorities” and pursue accountability for individuals linked to irregular flood control projects. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a fair tax system that rewards law-abiding taxpayers, saying, “We assure our micro, small, and medium enterprises and large corporations who have been lawfully paying their taxes that you will be treated justly.”
