The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) fully endorses the Senate’s proposal to reduce project costs by up to 30 percent, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s reforms to eliminate corruption and ensure value in public works spending. During the 2026 DPWH budget hearing chaired by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday, Secretary Vince Dizon stated that Marcos directed him to maintain infrastructure development while eradicating inefficiencies.
“Direktiba ng Pangulo na wala tayong sisinuhin, wala tayong sasantuhin (The President’s directive is that we will spare no one),” Dizon said, citing the validation of over 400 suspected ghost projects by a joint task force.
He noted the DPWH is updating its Cost per Meter Database (CPMD) and Detailed Unit Price Analysis (DUPA)—unchanged since 2015—to match current market prices and avoid overpricing.
Senator Loren Legarda suggested a 25 to 30 percent cut across infrastructure items, arguing Congress can’t approve inflated budgets. Senator Bam Aquino backed an initial 20 percent reduction until the DPWH review finishes.
“In conscience, we cannot sign off on a budget if we know the design and cost of materials are overpriced. Let’s go for the real price of these projects — that’s what the people deserve,” Aquino said.
Dizon welcomed the initiative and pledged ongoing reforms in cost control, transparency, and planning. “Dalawang taon lang po ako dito… Sana po itutuloy-tuloy lang po ‘yung mga reporma [na] inutos mismo ng ating Pangulo (I will only be here for two years… I hope the reforms ordered by the President will continue),” he said.