Benitez urges DPWH to scrap PHP 120M solar studs

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Bacolod Lone District Rep. Albee Benitez has urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to scrap its proposed PHP 120 million solar studs project and instead reallocate the funds for solar streetlights in priority areas.

Benitez said that during a recent meeting with DPWH officials, he learned the 2025 budget includes funding for solar studs across three project sites.

He emphasized that solar studs are “not needed” in those areas and claimed they “break down easily,” making them ineffective.

“I have directed the DPWH to divert the funds to solar streetlights instead, particularly in certain areas where they are needed, and to return the excess and unused funds to the National Government,” Benitez said.

He added that the solar studs funding should be returned to the national coffers and realigned to projects that offer “real benefits to the people.”

“That is why I asked the DPWH to abandon this Solar Studs Project and instead focus on funding solar streetlights, which are more useful, more transparent, and more responsive to the needs of our communities,” Benitez emphasized.