Manila, Sept. 11 -- Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday vowed to guard against irregularities in infrastructure programs, saying the Senate would exercise its oversight powers to ensure that public funds are spent transparently and for the benefit of the people.

The chair of the Senate Committee on Finance issued the statement following the Department of Finance's clarification that no loan agreement has been signed between the Philippines and South Korea.

Gatchalian said corruption-related controversies in infrastructure projects have put government spending under closer scrutiny, noting that even international partners are watching how the country handles development funds.

"While I acknowledge the efforts of the Executive, as Fin...