From Roads to Riches

FROM ROADS TO RICHES: AN INVESTIGATIVE STUDY ON THE ROAD BOARD AND THE ROAD USERS' TAX

ABSTRACT:

This study proves the inefficient allocation and monitoring of projects funded with the Motor Vehicle User's Charge (MVUC) funds, four special funds intended for road maintenance, road safety and vehicle pollution control. The Road Board, an executive agency in charge of allocating the P12 billion fund, has been hounded by critics for alleged corruption. After the Senate conducted an investigation on the Road Board, it concluded that the fund should be directed to the national budget so Congress can oversee its allocation.

With documentary evidence and interviews from first hand sources, the study zeroes in on the allocation of one of the MVUC funds from 2007 to 2010 to show that the Road Board has rejected projects submitted by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in favor of projects requested by local officials. The Board has failed to provide sufficient basis in choosing the projects, proving how projects could be approved solely upon their discretion.

The study also shows the weaknesses in monitoring MVUC projects. Interviews with officials of the DPWH and the Road Board Secretariat have shown that lack of funding and manpower are primarily to blame. Lastly, the study explores the bills seeking to amend the law, probing into the debates surrounding them.

Keywords: Road Board, Road User's Tax, Motor Vehicle User's Charge, Department of Public Works and Highways

Estella, P. & Francisco, A (2011). Roads to Riches: An investigative study on the Road Board and the Road User’s Tax, Unpublished Bachelor of Arts in Journalism thesis, University of the Philippines Mass Communication

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