Manila: Senators on Monday urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Commission on Audit (COA) to implement a pre-audit system to prevent the repeated funding and construction of road projects that had been completed or remain in good condition. During the continuation of the Senate Committee on Finance's hearing on the proposed 2026 DPWH budget, Sen. Erwin Tulfo raised long-standing complaints from the public about roads being repeatedly dug up and reblocked despite showing no signs of damage.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tulfo highlighted issues particularly prevalent in provinces, citing reports from Region 5, such as the Quezon-Camarines Sur highway, where newly finished roads are being destroyed and reconstructed without visible cracks or structural concerns. He suggested possible collusion between DPWH district engineers and COA, as these projects continue to receive funding.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed that his agency had suspended all reblocking activities nationwide since October 7, pending the issuance of clear engineering guidelines on when such actions are warranted. Dizon expressed support for the Senate's proposal for a pre-audit of road projects, emphasizing that such a system would enable COA and DPWH to verify repair necessity before budget approval.

Dizon further explained that the department is in the process of finalizing new rules to ensure transparency in project listings. This includes the publication of station limits and detailed line items to prevent overlapping entries. Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chair of the Committee on Finance, welcomed these reforms, expressing optimism that stricter audit procedures and clearer guidelines would end the cycle of unnecessary reblocking and wasteful public spending.