Senators Question DAR’s ₱28.23-B ‘PBBM Bridges’ Amid Unused UK Modular Bridge Supplies

The Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) ₱28.23-billion “PBBM Bridges” project faced scrutiny in the Senate over concerns about existing modular bridge supplies from a previous UK-supported project that remain unused. During budget hearings, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino questioned why the new project is necessary given that materials from the UK project are still stored in Mariveles, Bataan.

DAR Undersecretary Jesry Palmares explained that the “PBBM Bridges” project differs from the earlier one. The new project, which includes 350 bridges, was specifically vetted and sites were inspected by NEDA. Unlike the previous modular bridge program, which was not site-specific, this project involves concrete substructures and is designed to support agricultural communities by enhancing access to markets.

DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III emphasized that these bridges will aid agrarian reform beneficiaries, primarily in Visayas and Mindanao, by improving transportation for farm goods.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel requested a report on the unused UK bridges, aiming to clarify the financial impact and reasons behind their storage.