Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has revealed an alleged “passing through” scheme in Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects that he says involves some lawmakers and contractors, leading to overpricing and substandard infrastructure.
In a radio interview, Lacson said contractors working in districts where the lawmaker or their relatives are contractors must pay a five to six percent “passing through” fee, similar to a toll. He claimed the DPWH is aware of this practice.
The senator warned that the scheme reduces funds for actual construction, with some projects using less than 40 percent of their allocated budget after fees, taxes, and commissions. This, he said, forces contractors to cut corners—such as building only 50 meters of a planned 150-meter dike, driving sheet piles only three meters deep instead of six, or skipping the gravel-sand mix for foundations.
“These shortcuts weaken the structure, making it prone to damage,” Lacson said, adding that project failures have cost human lives during floods.
He also noted that contractors’ profit margins are reduced from 15 to 10 percent, further incentivizing the use of substandard materials.
Lacson called on the DPWH to release its list of flood control projects submitted to Malacañang to determine if any congressmen-contractors should be held accountable. He questioned whether those found liable would actually face punishment.
The senator clarified that he does not possess a list of 67 congressmen-contractors, despite receiving calls from House members about the matter. He said he only asked a colleague about their number during the opening of the 19th Congress.
