Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has urged the DPWH to coordinate all infrastructure projects with local government units (LGUs) to curb corruption and ensure they address local needs.
He said proposals for the 2027 budget must undergo proper vetting with local officials.
Gatchalian cited cases where projects suddenly appear without LGU knowledge, including multi-billion-peso flood control works in Oriental Mindoro.
“Maraming cases ngayon na ‘yung mga projects bigla na lang sumusulpot sa kanilang lugar pero hindi alam ng mga LGUs,” according to him.
He stressed LGUs must be consulted before projects enter the National Expenditure Program.
Gatchalian added that only about 35% of NEP-listed projects are endorsed by Regional Development Councils, saying this must improve to avoid uncoordinated projects.IMT
