Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon on Monday announced major reform measures aimed at addressing the long-standing issue of overpriced materials in government infrastructure projects.
In a press conference, Dizon described the move as “one of the single biggest reform in DPWH.”
Dizon vowed to put an end to excessive pricing practices and corruption that have plagued the agency for years.
“Ayusin na natin ang presyuhan sa DPWH," Dizon said. "Ang daming mga scandal sa korapsyon ang daming nasisiwalat pero nauulit naman ulit."
The DPWH will closely monitor and standardize the prices of key construction materials, including cement, asphalt, steel sheet piles, gravel, and reinforcing steel bars.
According to Dizon, the department found a “massive discrepancy” between market prices and the prices reflected in DPWH project costs.
"If the private sector can build a road at those proces, why cannot (the) government do the same? Walang rason kung bakit hindi. No other reason except for corruption," he said.
The reforms was followed the issues in DPWH raised by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. before his recent overseas trip.
In one cited case, the cost of asphalt in Region IV-B reportedly reached more than ₱23,000 per metric ton, a figure that the DPWH now says can be reduced to less than ₱6,000.
Dizon said that DPWH Usec. Rico Bernabe is currently studying potential 'legal liabilities' related to overpricing.
When asked if certain politicians could face charges, Dizon said that “some cases have already been filed,” citing the case of former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, but added that the Ombudsman will handle it.
In connection with his earlier remarks, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said he is "very confident” that numerous individuals will face charges over alleged irregularities in government flood control projects and will spend Christmas behind bars.
According to Dizon, around 60 individuals could face imprisonment in connection with the alleged anomalies in flood control projects across the country. He added that cases will be filed against those found responsible, stressing that the DPWH is determined to pursue the matter to its full extent.
"Very very confident... Marami ang magpapasko sa kulungan," he emphasized.
"Hindi tayo hihinto hanggang hindi natin nakakasuhan ang mga dapat managot. Hindi tayo titigil na habang nananagot ung mga dapat makulong at managot,hahabulin din natin ang mga assets nila," Dizon said.
₱60 billion in potential savings
Dizon estimated that the government could save up to ₱60 billion in the 2026 national budget once the reforms are fully implemented. According to Dizon, this amount would be enough to build 1,600 kilometers of concrete roads and 1,000 kilometers of asphalt overlay across the country.
He added that the projected savings could be redirected to fund additional infrastructure projects and other vital sectors such as healthcare and education.
The DPWH chief also noted that the reform will apply not only to 2026 projects but also to unawarded 2025 projects that have yet to enter into contract agreements.
Dizon emphasized that the administration is determined to carry out the reforms immediately, reiterating that more than 50 percent of the discrepancies in current material costs could be eliminated by aligning prices with market levels.
Marcos earlier directed the DPWH to cut material costs by as much as 50 percent in all its construction projects—a move seen as part of the government’s broader anti-corruption and efficiency drive.
