ESCUDERO WANTS BAN ON ZERO BENEFIT, ‘VANITY PROJECTS’

“THERE should be zero budget for zero-benefit projects.”

Senate President Francis Joseph “Chiz” G. Escudero yesterday issued the statement as he urged Malacañang to draw up a “negative list” of infrastructure projects that cannot be funded under the 2026 national budget.

Escudero, who once headed the Senate Committee on Finance, said the Palace should make it clear from the start that questionable projects will not be entertained.

“Babaha ng mga walang kwentang projects kung ‘di natin ididetalye kung anu-ano ang dapat ipagbawal na projects. There should be zero budget for zero-benefit projects,” said the leader of the Senate.

Among the projects he suggested for inclusion in the negative list are low-value but overpriced road devices such as reflective studs or “cat’s eyes,” slope protection nets and paints.

The same should be done with what he called “vanity projects” like waiting sheds, swimming pools, signages, and other non-essential amenities, which are prone to budgetary abuse and waste, to give way to more important infrastructure initiatives.

The Senate President is also looking at a possible moratorium on new flood control projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for 2026, noting that billions of pesos in allocations under the 2025 budget remain unimplemented.

“Tapusin muna natin ang pending projects at ayusin natin ang plano bago natin ituloy ang mga ito. We should give Secretary Dizon (DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon) the opportunity to fix the system first,” he said.

“Let’s redirect those funds to waste-to-energy plants, refuse-derived fuel facilities, and other measures that address garbage, clogged drainage systems, and reduced water-holding capacity in rivers and waterways. These are among the real drivers of flooding in Metro Manila and other urban centers,” the Senate leader pointed out.

According to the Bicolano lawmaker, the negative list should serve as a guide to both the Executive and Legislative branches, accompanied by a stern warning that congressionally-sponsored projects in violation of the list will be vetoed by the President.

“Dapat malinaw ang mensahe: Kung ano ang bawal, huwag nang ipilit. Kung anu-anong budgetary adventurism lang ang isinasaksak taun-taon kaya kailangan na maudlot na bago pa man maisama sa GAA (General Appropriations Act),” Senate President Escudero said.