President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to lower the cost of construction materials used in government infrastructure projects "by as much as 50 percent," following findings that several materials were overpriced.
In his speech at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, Marcos told DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon that the move could save the government between ₱30 billion and ₱45 billion, which could instead be used to fund vital social services.
“The Department of Public Works and Highways continues to review projects and contracts and to file cases against those who have perpetrated corruption,” Marcos said.
He added that the "DPWH has looked into the pricing of construction materials and found out that several items, like asphalt, steel bars, and cement, were overpriced by as much as 50 percent."
“Actually, there are some egregious examples where it’s even more than that,” he said.
Marcos emphasized that cutting material costs will ensure that public funds are properly spent and reflect fair market prices.
“This is money that we can use for services such as health, education, and food that our people desperately need,” he noted.
Aside from addressing overpricing in infrastructure projects, Marcos also ordered the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to “recalibrate its priorities” and ensure accountability for those involved in anomalous flood control projects.
“At the same time, the BIR will recalibrate its priorities and ensure that all those found complicit in the irregularities surrounding flood control projects are held fully accountable under the law,” the President said.
Marcos vowed to uphold fairness in the country’s tax system, assuring both small businesses and large corporations that those who pay their taxes properly will be treated justly.
“We will uphold fairness in our tax system. We assure our micro, small, and medium enterprises and large corporations who have been lawfully paying their taxes that you will be treated justly,” he said.
Marcos made the announcement before leaving for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
