Imee Marcos calls for accounting of P132B flood control funds

Senator Imee Marcos on Wednesday called for a full accounting of the P132 billion allocated since 2018 for Bicol's flood control projects following severe flooding caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

Marcos criticized the inadequate infrastructure and gaps in flood mitigation despite substantial funding, noting that Bicol received P31.94 billion this year alone under the 2024 General Appropriations Act, bringing the six-year total to nearly PHP133 billion.

The senator urged government agencies, particularly the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), to provide a detailed report on how these funds have been used and the progress of flood control projects.

Marcos emphasized the need for transparency in the use of the allocated funds and called for a thorough investigation during upcoming November budget hearings.

For the 2025 budget, Marcos said she would support concrete, well-engineered solutions that effectively address climate threats rather than outdated projects that risk lives, homes, and livelihoods.