On-the-ground monitoring of gov't projects sought

Sen. Erwin Tulfo is pushing for on-the-ground monitoring of government projects to prevent the misuse of public funds, backing the creation of a Joint Congressional Oversight Committee to track the implementation of programs funded under the 2026 General Appropriations Act.

- By NEIL JAYSON SERVALLOS

Tulfo said reports submitted by agencies are not enough to ensure that projects are actually being carried out, stressing the need for random, physical inspections to verify implementation.

“We probably really need a person on the ground to conduct random checks,” said Tulfo, vice chairperson of the Senate committee on finance.

Tulfo said past experience has shown how failures in oversight can occur at multiple levels of government, from local offices up to national agencies.

“We've seen how regional directors cover for district engineers and how even secretaries can be involved,” he said.