Senator Win Gatchalian flagged P271 billion worth of potential anomalous infrastructure projects, which were found to be either duplicative, technically vague, or inexplicably reappearing, as well as overpricing of cost estimates in the proposed budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways for next year. 

The chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Gatchalian said that 6,178 projects of the agency were found to have potential opportunities for corruption. For instance, 4,566 road projects did not have a station number, making it impossible to track their exact location. He said another 42 were in multiple phases.

A total of 946 projects were found to be reappearing projects, meaning budgetary allocation was already made for these previously, and they are being afforded a budget again for 2026. He emphasized that unless such projects are justified by DPWH providing the necessary technical information on such projects, he is considering the possibility of removing the allocation. 

Gatchalian further revealed that a 2026 DPWH project sample showed possible overpricing of up to 1,400%, based on reviews by engineering groups. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed similar findings, though with lower overpricing levels. 

Photo by Mark Cayabyab / OS WIN GATCHALIAN