The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has begun reviewing allegedly questionable farm-to-market road (FMRs) projects, following submissions of information from the Department of Agriculture (DA).

In an ambush interview at the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) office in Taguig City, Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed that Agriculture Secretary Francisco "Kiko" Tiu Laurel recently provided him with data regarding issues in FMR projects.

"Nag-submit ng information sa akin si Secretary Kiko Laurel noong isang araw pinapaaral ‘yung mga problema sa mga farm-to-market roads," Dizon said.

Earlier, Senate Committee on Finance Chairperson Sherwin Gatchalian revealed that PHP 10.3 billion was lost due to "extremely overpriced" farm-to-market roads in the 2023 and 2024 national budgets.

The senator noted that the same amount could have been used to construct a proper highway stretching from Manila to Aparri, Cagayan.

According to reports, some FMR projects cost up to 23 times higher than the standard P15,000 per meter rate set by the DA.

Laurel stated that while P15,000 per meter is the standard cost, the rate could drop to as low as P10,000 if the "30 percent" markup is eliminated.

During a Malacañang press briefing on October 9, Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro also expressed openness to linking the investigation of the allegedly overpriced FMR projects with the ongoing probe into the flood control scandal.