Senator Francis Escudero, who was implicated by former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Roberto Bernardo in a flood control controversy, is proposing that the national government move forward with a tripartite agreement involving the DPWH, the Department of Education, and the Department of Agriculture.
Escudero said the proposed framework aims to help capable local government units accelerate infrastructure development through more efficient national-local coordination.
“The national government should focus on LGUs that have shown they can plan well, execute well, and maintain order. When local governments are capable, national-local partnerships become faster, more efficient, and more impactful,” he said.
The senator added that Sorsogon, where he served three terms as congressman, is among the provinces that meet the proposed requirements.
In a supplemental affidavit submitted to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee in 2025, Bernardo linked Escudero to a Sorsogon streetlights project and an alleged P160 million fund release tied to irregularities in flood control projects.
Escudero said that during his term as governor from 2019 to 2022, Sorsogon completed major infrastructure projects, improved roads, and strengthened peace and order, creating conditions for sustained development.
He said the model could be applied nationwide, provided local governments meet governance and implementation standards.
“This is exactly how the Local Government Code envisioned development: strong national support matched with capable, empowered LGUs delivering results on the ground. When we back LGUs that are ready and proven, progress becomes faster, fairer, and felt by more families,” he said.
