Courtesy: phys.org
THE proposed P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026 reflects a reduction in funding for flood control projects, totaling P274.926 billion.
This decrease comes amid President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s intensified scrutiny of flood control initiatives, particularly those lacking specific details regarding the type of structures being built or repaired.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman revealed that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) would receive the majority of the allocation at P272.333 billion, while the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) would receive P2.593 billion.
This proposed allocation is notably lower than the approximately P350 billion earmarked for flood control in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
Secretary Pangandaman emphasized that the flood control projects proposed by the DPWH and MMDA underwent “proper planning and corresponding feasibility studies,” suggesting a greater focus on well-defined and strategically implemented projects.
President Marcos previously flagged over 6,000 projects, totaling over P350 billion, for lacking specific details on the type of flood control structures involved.
He also highlighted that a significant portion of the flood control budget from 2022 to 2025 was concentrated among a small number of contractors, raising concerns about transparency and equitable distribution of resources. The reduced budget and increased scrutiny signal a shift towards prioritizing quality and accountability in flood control efforts.
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