President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to cut construction material costs by up to 50 percent ? a move expected to save the government at least P30 to P45 billion, which will be redirected to vital sectors such as health, education, and food.

Marcos reaffirmed on Saturday his commitment to strengthening the country’s bureaucracy, making it “more responsive, accountable, and transparent” in serving the Filipinos.

Speaking at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City prior to his departure, Marcos emphasized his directives to various government agencies to ensure that public funds are spent appropriately and fairly.

The President highlighted the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) ongoing efforts to thoroughly review its projects and contracts, with a strong focus on holding accountable those implicated in corruption.

According to the President, after reviewing the prices of construction materials for projects, the DPWH discovered that several items, such as asphalt, steel bars, and cement, were overpriced by as much as 50 percent, and he directed the agency to cut them by 50 percent as well.

“In order to ensure that the costs of DPWH will reflect the costs of the market and to ensure that the people’s money is correctly spent, I have directed the DPWH Secretary to bring down the cost of materials by as much as 50 percent, which will result in savings in the Capital Outlay spending of at least 30 to 45 billion pesos,” the President said.

Marcos added that the saved funds will be directed to essential sectors such as health, education, and food.

The President also underscored that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) will recalibrate its priorities to ensure that individuals involved in the irregularities surrounding flood control projects are held fully accountable under the law.

The President added that the government will uphold fairness in the tax system, assuring micro, small, and medium enterprises and large corporations which have been lawfully paying their taxes that they will be treated justly. Presidential News Desk