Senator Win Gatchalian cautioned Tuesday that corruption should not be used as a reason to reduce government infrastructure spending, warning that such cuts risk slowing economic growth and harming ordinary Filipinos.
Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, stressed that accountability—not reduced investment—was the proper response.
“Hindi pwedeng maging dahilan ang korapsyon para tanggalin ang mga programa sa imprastraktura, dahil kung hindi ay ang mamamayan natin ang magdurusa,” he said.
The senator added that corruption must be addressed through prosecution and punishment.
“Ang solusyon sa korapsyon ay sampahan ng kaso ang mga may sala, ikulong sila, at papanagutin,” he noted.
His remarks came as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget was cut to ₱521 billion, equivalent to 4.5% of GDP—below the government’s 5% target and among its lowest levels in recent years.
Gatchalian pointed to slowed spending after flood control controversies, leaving unspent funds that could be carried over into 2026.
“Mula noon pumutok ang isyu sa flood control, nagkaroon na ng pagbagal sa paggasta para sa imprastraktura. Kaya maraming natirang pondo para sa imprastraktura na maaaring ituloy para sa 2026,” he said.
“Kailangan nating mag-adjust. Hindi ito pwedeng maging permanente. Kailangan pa rin nating gumastos ng 5% ng GDP o higit pa para sa imprastraktura,” he added.