Senator Mark Villar has filed Senate Bill No. 1438, or the ‘Government Construction Project Transparency and Accountability Act of 2025,’ which seeks to mandate drone monitoring for all government construction projects before any payments are processed.
The measure applies to all national government agencies and government-owned and -controlled corporations engaged in construction, including the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Transportation and Bases Conversion and Development Authority.
‘Persistent challenges including project delays, quality issues, and financial irregularities in public works demand innovative solutions,’ Villar said. ‘This legislation harnesses modern technology to establish an unwavering standard of accountability for every peso of public funds invested in infrastructure.’
The proposal requires independent accredited third-party entities to conduct aerial documentation through unmanned aerial vehicles. It provides for high-resolution geotagged imagery, video footage and orthomosaic mapping of projects. The data will be uploaded to a centralized public transparency portal accessible to citizens.
Under the bill, payments cannot be processed without the required drone verification documentation. Contractors and government personnel who submit or approve falsified monitoring data face penalties under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
‘This initiative transforms how we monitor and manage public infrastructure projects,’ Villar said. ‘It empowers citizens with tangible evidence of project progress while ensuring that government expenditures correspond directly to actual, verified accomplishments.’
The bill also directs relevant agencies to set accreditation standards for monitoring entities within 60 days of enactment. The Department of Science and Technology and Department of Information and Communications Technology will provide technical support in drafting implementing rules and regulations.