'Ghost' projects spur DA takeover of FMRs

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is willing to take over the construction of farm-to-market roads (FMRs) following the discovery of nonexistent and overpriced projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) watch.

- By DEXTER BARRO II

Responding to the challenge from the Senate Committee on Finance, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said on Friday, Oct. 10, that his agency is prepared to take the lead on FMRs.

“Instinct tells us to steer clear. To play it safe. But this is no time for hesitation... and so, we rise to meet the moment,” said Tiu Laurel.

The potential turnover of FMR projects to the DA is in response to allegations of misuse of public funds in a number of FMR projects managed by the DPWH.

Under the current policy, the DA identifies and validates sites for FMRs, which are then transferred to the DPWH, which oversees the bidding and construction of the projects.

Senator Win Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate’s finance panel, recently flagged overpricing of these projects with estimated losses amounting to over P10 billion for the construction of 70,000 kilometers (km) of roads.