PBBM orders DPWH to cut construction material costs by 50%

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to reduce the cost of construction materials for government infrastructure projects by up to 50 percent.

This directive comes amid an ongoing probe into alleged corruption in flood control projects.

Marcos Jr. stated that some materials, including asphalt, steel bars, and cement, were found to be overpriced by approximately 50 percent.

He anticipates these cost reductions will lead to savings of at least P30 to P45 billion in capital outlay spending.

These savings are intended to be reallocated to essential services such as health, education, and food security.

The DPWH has filed complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman against contractors and officials over anomalous flood control projects.