Chiz Escudero wants lower flood control budget

Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero has proposed a significant reduction in the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) P250.8-billion budget for flood control projects next year, citing concerns over potential corruption.

Escudero highlighted that the flood control budget constitutes a third of the DPWH's total allocation and is disproportionately larger than funds for education and infrastructure.

He pointed out that the P13 billion allocated for new classrooms is significantly smaller compared to the flood control budget, which also dwarfs the funding for new roads and bridges.

The Senate President warned that the current budget allocation for flood control is susceptible to criticism and suggested that the funds would be better utilized in other sectors.

Escudero recommended that the Philippines await the completion of the flood control master plan, which is being funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

He advocated for redirecting the proposed flood control funds towards critical areas such as health, education, and food security.