Senator Win Gatchalian on Tuesday stressed that corruption should not be used as a reason to curtail government infrastructure spending, warning that doing so could slow down economic growth and development.

Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, said the proper response to corruption is to pursue accountability and prosecution, not to cut infrastructure programs that are vital to the economy.

“Corruption cannot be the reason to remove infrastructure programs, or else our people will suffer. The solution for corruption is to jail people, file cases, and make them accountable,” the senator said in a statement.

He pointed out that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has been allocated ₱521 billion this year, equivalent to 4.5 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). He noted that the amount falls short of the ideal 5 percent GDP target and represents the agency’s lowest budget allocation in recent years.

Gatchalian also cited the slowdown in infrastructure spending following issues related to flood control projects, resulting in unutilized funds that could still be carried over and used in 2026.

“We need to adjust. This can’t be a permanent situation. We still need to spend 5 percent of GDP or more for infrastructure,” he said.

The senator reiterated that sustained infrastructure investment remains crucial to supporting economic recovery, job generation, and long-term national development.