Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson proposes the removal of the controversial ₱75 billion allocation in the proposed 2019 budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
SMC Tollways will also deploy additional traffic and security personnel, as well as ambulant tellers, to major thoroughfares from October 31 to November 2.
Public Works Secretary Mark Villar believes "75 to 80 percent" of a four-kilometer road from Cagban Port will be ready by the soft opening of Boracay next week.
Duterte said such facilities will help "alleviate [the] suffering of the people" and prevent "temporary closure of classes" in the wake of catastrophic events.
Senator Panfilo Lacson sees over sixteen billion pesos in potential pork barrel from the proposed budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways for next year. Lacson warns he will move to scrap that amount intended for road right of way allocation if department officials will not submit a detailed report.
The House of Representatives and budget officials have agreed to restore cuts on appropriations for the Health, Education, and Public Works and Highways departments for 2019, House Majority Leader Nonoy Andaya said Tuesday.
In the wake of floods that hit parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces, the Senate Public Works Committee grills authorities over the status of flood control projects.
