Rep Leviste proposes 25% DPWH budget cut to fund new classrooms

Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Legarda Leviste proposed reducing Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) project costs by 25% to fund the construction of new classrooms.

Leviste stated that the Department of Education (DepEd) estimates a shortage of over 165,000 classrooms nationwide.

He believes that a 25% reduction in DPWH project costs could save approximately P400 billion, which he estimates would be sufficient to build the needed classrooms without additional government expenses, debts, or taxes.

Leviste also suggested that lowering project costs could help eliminate kickbacks at the district level, arguing that District Engineering Offices still rig bids and handpick contractors.

He commended DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon's efforts to clean up the department and urged him to lower prices by 25% to immediately cut kickbacks.