P15 million per kilometer of “ghost roads?”
Farmers under the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) urged Congress to scrutinize the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) proposed P16-billion budget for Farm-to-Market Roads (FMRs) in 2026, warning that corruption could bloat the already massive backlog of 36,000 kilometers worth P300 billion, leaving the farm-to-market network unfinished “even in a lifetime.” “Kahit habang buhay pa, hindi matatapos ang backlog sa FMRs kung nauuwi sa korapsyon ang pondo, tulad ng nangyayari sa mga flood control projects,” KMP warned.
Based on the DA’s own estimates, each kilometer of FMR costs around P15 million. “DA admits that “Farm-to-Market Roads are supposed to be lifelines for farmers. However, they risk becoming Farm-to-Pocket Roads due to collusion and corruption of agencies, government officials and contractors,” KMP stressed,
As of August 2025, verified but unfunded FMR project proposals already amount to P286.54 billion, or over 20,000 kilometers of unbuilt farm roads. The biggest gaps are in Region 11 (Davao Region) with more than 7,000 kilometers worth P65.5 billion, and Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) with 2,707 kilometers worth P36.5 billion.
Taun-taun pinopondohan ng bilyon-bilyon pero hindi natatapos, saan napupunta ang pera? Kailangan malaman at maungkat din kung magkano ang SOPs at kickbacks sa Farm-to-Market Roads. Hindi dapat makaligtas ang contractors at mga pulitikong nakikinabang dito,” KMP stressed, urging an immediate probe into these heavily funded infrastructure projects.
The backlogs are staggering, yet, billions are disproportionately poured into political bailiwicks and often for political patronage: For 2026, Ilocos Norte will corner 30% of Region 1’s P1.1-billion FMR budget, while Leyte takes over more than P300 million from Region 8’s P915-million share.“The government must explain how priorities are being set. Why are political strongholds favored over areas where farmers most urgently need roads?” KMP asked.
DA Secretary Francis Tiu Laurel himself admitted that between 12.7 to 15 percent of local rice production (around 450,000 metric tons) and 30 percent of vegetable production are lost annually due to poor logistics, largely caused by the lack of proper farm roads. “Kung sinasabi ng DA na FMRs ang gulugod ng food security at susi sa pagbaba ng presyo ng pagkain, bakit nila hinahayaan na magpatuloy ang sistema ng korapsyon at kapabayaan?” KMP said.
Farmers said the DA 2026 budget proposal deliberations on Monday must reveal the true status of the National FMR Network Plan 2023–2028, jointly implemented by DA, DPWH, DAR, DTI, DILG, and DOT. They demanded clarity on: how many kilometers have actually been completed, how many projects have been completed and inspected, and whether “ghost roads” exist, similar to ghost flood control projects.
“Every year that the government fails to close this gap on FMRs means more wasted harvests, higher food prices, and deeper poverty in the countryside. Bawat piso para sa FMR dapat napupunta sa kalsada para sa mga magsasaka at hindi sa bulsa ng pulitiko at kontraktor,” KMP declared.
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