CIBAC Party-List Representative Bro. Eddie Villanueva has filed House Resolution No. 2215, seeking a congressional inquiry into the billions of pesos the government has paid in commitment fees due to delays in implementing foreign-funded projects.
Commitment fees are charged on undisbursed portions of foreign loans, meaning the government pays for funds that remain unused. Data from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) shows that from 2014 to 2023, the country incurred around $48.9 million (₱2.6 billion) in commitment fees across more than 40 foreign-assisted projects.
The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged these fees as a result of inefficiencies and delays in project implementation. Villanueva called this a “painful irony” as millions of Filipinos struggle to access basic public services.
“We are wasting billions on loans that remain unused. What’s worse is that Filipinos are paying for borrowed money that we don’t even use,” Villanueva said.
With the national debt now exceeding ₱16 trillion, Villanueva urged stricter oversight on foreign loan utilization. He called for a review of policies governing loan procurement and project implementation to prevent financial losses and improve fiscal discipline.
“It is unjust for Filipinos to bear the cost of inefficiencies. Every peso saved from these fees should go to healthcare, education, and social services,” he said.
Villanueva stressed the need for accountability, saying public funds must be managed transparently and effectively.