Rappler
DA to take over farm-to-market road projects from DPWH
The Department of Agriculture (DA) will now take direct responsibility for farm-to-market road (FMR) projects, shifting oversight from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced this decision, citing concerns about potential budget losses and past issues of overpricing and alleged corruption in infrastructure projects.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian estimated losses of over P10 billion in public funds from overpriced FMR projects between 2023 and 2024, with overpricing referring to costs exceeding the standard estimate of P15,000 per kilometer.
The DA aims to prevent fund misuse and improve the efficiency of these crucial agricultural infrastructure projects by working with local governments, farmer groups, independent auditors, and third-party surveyors.
The DA has been auditing FMRs since issues of flood control corruption and ghost projects surfaced, and has so far discovered alleged ghost projects in Mindanao, with the audit expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
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