Inquirer
Gatchalian: Senators consider scrapping ₱270-B flood control budget
Senators are considering scrapping the P270 billion allocation for flood mitigation projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for 2026.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, cited alleged irregularities and "red flags" in the DPWH's budget proposal, including duplicated and potentially ghost projects.
If the DPWH does not address these issues, the senators' general sentiment is to reallocate the P270 billion, possibly to the education sector.
Gatchalian mentioned that over 12 senators present at a recent Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) hearing share this sentiment.
The senators want to avoid approving fraudulent or anomalous projects and prevent similar issues from recurring.
The Senate finance committee will review any revisions the DPWH makes to its proposal.
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News Sources
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Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon supports lawmakers' proposal to significantly cut the DPWH's P268.3 billion flood control budget for 2026.
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Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero proposed a significant reduction in the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) P250.8-billion flood control budget for the upcoming year, citing concerns about potential corruption.
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Malacañang confirmed that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget will not be returned to the executive branch for amendments, despite concerns raised by senators.
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a review of the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) proposed 2026 budget for anomalies.
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that the P275 billion allocated for flood control projects in the 2026 National Expenditure Program will be reappropriated to other departments, such as education and health.
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