Roads Without Receipts? Pangilinan Flags Changes in ₱33B Farm-to-Market Budget for 2026

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has raised red flags over changes in the ₱33-billion proposed budget for farm-to-market roads (FMRs) under the Department of Agriculture (DA) for 2026 — changes that, he warns, may include billions worth of unvalidated projects.

At the bicameral conference committee, Pangilinan called for full transparency: a verified list of added FMRs, feasibility checks, and proper identification of project coordinates — from start to end points. Without these, the Senate may be forced to reconsider approvals and deduct amounts tied to unidentified items.

🌾 What’s the Issue?

According to Pangilinan:

• The FMR list appears to have been altered during deliberations

• Some projects were allegedly added without validation

• Documentation such as feasibility, alignment, and coordinates remains unclear

He emphasized that when budgets are approved on third reading, attachments detailing projects should match what gets funded — anything else undermines accountability.

🧭 Why Coordinates Matter

Infrastructure isn’t just about totals; it’s about traceability. Coordinates prevent ghost projects, enable audits, and allow communities to verify what’s being built in their areas.

“Transparency and accountability are necessary.” — Pangilinan

Without them, “roads” become numbers on paper, not paths for farmers.

🦅 AGILA TAKE (Satirical Jab)

Kapag may budget — may ribbon.
Kapag tinanong ang mapa — buffering.
Kung walang coordinates,
baka daan sa dilim ang tinatahak.

⚠️ The Bigger Picture

The concern echoes wider Senate warnings — including from Sen. Ping Lacson — that unresolved issues could lead to non-ratification of the bicam report or even a reenacted budget if agencies fail to explain sudden increases.

For farmers, delays hurt.
For taxpayers, opacity hurts more.

📖 Biblical Reflection

“For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open.”
— Luke 8:17

Public funds demand public clarity.

🧠 Why This Matters

Farm-to-market roads are lifelines for agriculture. When lists change without validation, trust erodes — and the people meant to benefit are left guessing.

Budgets must build real roads, not paper trails.