Guidelines issued to prevent overpricing in infrastructure projectsConstruction workers are seen at a site in Manila on April 28, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — To bust the alleged “built-in” overprice of infrastructure works and deter ghost and substandard projects, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has issued guidelines to ensure the recomputation of all infrastructure project costs and budget estimates based on lowered construction materials price data (CMPD). The public works chief also ordered a recalculation of unit costs in the Detailed Unit Price Analysis (DUPA) of all affected pay items, especially those with material cost components. The recalculation of the unit costs should cover the material component, the material price, labor and equipment component, labor and equipment unit cost, the application of indirect cost mark-up and the application of value added tax. “Upon updating all unit costs in the DUPA using the latest CMPD and other prevailing cost references, the revised unit costs shall be duly consolidated in an updated POW,” Dizon ordered.

Source: Philippine Star January 11, 2026 16:06 UTC