Proposed funding for farm-to-market roads (FMRs) in the 2026 national budget nearly doubled to ₱32.6 billion, raising concerns from senators over unvalidated projects and potential misuse of funds.
During the DPWH budget hearing, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian questioned why ₱8 billion worth of FMRs were included despite not being part of the official Farm-to-Market Road Network Plan (FMRNP).
The Department of Agriculture (DA) confirmed that only ₱24 billion of the projects have been validated, while the rest still require clearance under special budget provisions. The DA also revealed the discovery of seven “ghost projects” worth ₱125 million, mostly in Mindanao, as part of its ongoing audit of farm road contracts.
Meanwhile, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is preparing to finalize rules for livestreaming its hearings ahead of its November 11 public session.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 28, 2025
