Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has ordered a full audit of all farm-to-market road (FMR) projects from 2021 to 2025, echoing President Marcos’ call for accountability amid flood control project controversies.
While the Department of Agriculture identifies and validates FMRs, construction is handled by the DPWH. Tiu Laurel emphasized transparency, quality, and effective use of funds, vowing to report irregularities to the President.
The audit is set to conclude by year-end. Of the 131,000 km FMR target, 70,000 km have been completed, with 61,000 km pending.
Tiu Laurel is also pushing for a legislated priority list for FMRs and suggests cost-cutting measures like narrower roads to address budget shortfalls. For 2026, the DA faces a P40 billion funding gap for FMR requests.
