The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) denounces the massive corruption, overpricing, and plunder behind the government’s so-called “farm-to-market roads,” which have once again proven to be farm-to-pocket schemes that benefit only contractors, politicians, and bureaucrats and not the farmers they were meant to serve.
Recent revelations from Senate and reports by the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Office of the Senate Strategic Technical Group (OSSTG) expose how billions of pesos under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) were siphoned off through extremely overpriced farm-to-market road (FMR) projects. Data shows that projects worth hundreds of millions were implemented with drastically reduced road lengths and inflated costs per meter, reaching scandalous levels of overpricing.
According to the OSSTG’s analysis, some of the most overpriced projects include: the San Roque Farm-to-Market Road Phase 2 in Tacloban City, Leyte (Region VIII), which was allocated P100 million but resulted in only 0.287 km of actual road, costing a staggering P348,432 per meter. Another project in Lupi, Camarines Sur, received P150 million yet delivered only 0.057 km, translating to an absurd P263,157 per meter. A P30-million project in Vibhan, Bulacan achieved only 0.155 km of actual roadwork, at P193,548 per meter.
Other cases are similarly alarming: In Guinsohayan, Samar, P35 million was released for 0.206 km at P169,902 per meter, while a P46-million road in Kadaohan, Leyte produced just 0.37 km, costing P124,324 per meter. Even worse, several contractors behind these projects as shown in the OSSTG report does not appear in the DPWH Civil Works Contracts Database, suggesting possible use of ghost firms or politically favored entities operating outside proper accreditation and oversight.
These figures paint a clear picture of corruption and institutionalized theft within the DA and DPWH’s FMR program. Instead of linking farms to markets, these roads connect public funds to private pockets. The Marcos Jr. administration’s infrastructure drive in the agriculture sector, touted as part of its “Bagong Pilipinas” banner, is being exposed as another venue for the diversion of state resources and pork-barrel-style kickbacks.
For farmers, the consequences are devastating. In rural barangays from Samar to Camarines Sur, supposed “farm-to-market” roads are either left unfinished, impassable, or outright nonexistent , while contractors collect millions for ghost or substandard work. Each kilometer unbuilt means higher transport costs for rice, corn, and vegetables; longer travel time to reach local markets; and continued poverty and neglect for the rural poor.
KMP demands an immediate and independent audit of all farm-to-market road projects funded under the 2024 GAA, including the P10-billion overpricing now under Senate scrutiny. Those responsible , from approving officials in the DA and DPWH, to project engineers and favored contractors , must face criminal prosecution and permanent disqualification from holding public office or engaging in government contracts.
The government must also disclose the full list of contractors involved, their project scopes, and completion status at the barangay level, so the public can verify where funds were actually spent. Farmer organizations and local communities must be allowed to monitor and participate directly in rural infrastructure projects to prevent further corruption and ensure that projects truly serve their intended beneficiaries.
It is a grave insult that while millions of Filipino farmers struggle with the rising costs of inputs, low farmgate prices, and climate-induced losses, billions are being plundered in their name. These farm-to-market roads are grossly overpriced, underbuilt, and mismanaged. They stand as concrete symbols of greed and betrayal.
KMP asserts: the Marcos Jr. regime must be held accountable for these farm-to-pocket roads and for perpetuating this grand theft of public funds under the guise of agricultural support.
KMP stands with all rural communities demanding justice, and calls on the public to join the fight against corruption and fake development. ###
OVERPRICED FARM-TO-POCKET ROADS OF GHOST CONTRACTORS
San Roque Farm-to-Market Road Phase 2, Tacloban City
P100 million
0.287 km nagawang kalsada
P348,432 per meter
Lupi, Camarines Sur
P150 million
0.057 km nagawang kalsada
P263,157 per meter
Vibhan, Bulacan
P30 million
0.155 km nagawang kalsada
P193,548 per meter
Guinsohayan, Samar
P35 million
0.206 km nagawang kalsada
P169,902 per meter
Kadaohan, Leyte
P46-million
0.37 km nagawang kalsada
P124,324 per meter
Source:
Office of Senator Gatchalian
