News Details

DA Orders Review of Farm-to-Market Roads Amid Corruption Probes

NPO

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September 18, 2025

MANILA – Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has ordered an audit of all farm-to-market road (FMR) projects implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), citing concerns over possible irregularities similar to those flagged in flood control programs.

The audit will cover projects from 2021 to 2025 to ensure FMRs fulfill their purpose of connecting farmers to markets and not devolve into “farm-to-pocket” schemes. “If there are any issues in these agricultural road projects, I will have to report that to President Marcos,” Tiu Laurel said in a statement on Thursday.

The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) welcomed the directive, saying it would safeguard public funds and uphold accountability. “We support the initiative of DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel to audit all farm-to-market road projects,” said Executive Director Jayson Cainglet.

As of July, DPWH reported completing 70,000 kilometers of FMRs nationwide, leaving some 61,000 kilometers pending validation out of the 131,000-kilometer target. Under current policy, the DA identifies and validates road projects, while DPWH oversees bidding and construction.

Cainglet also called for the prosecution of those behind irregular projects and the recovery of misused funds. He lauded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his political will in exposing alleged abuses and strengthening mechanisms for transparency in infrastructure spending.

NPO News Team | PNA-PR