Sen Aquino calls for DPWH P360B flood budget review

Senator Paolo Benigno 'Bam' Aquino filed a resolution over the weekend urging Senate committees to review how the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other agencies have spent this year's P360-billion flood control budget.

Aquino noted that despite allocating P1.47 trillion for flood control from 2009 to 2024, the country still faces poor drainage systems, ineffective measures, outdated pumping stations, and inadequate community-based flood risk management.

The senator called for a review of current strategies to make them more cost-effective, innovative, and efficient in addressing worsening conditions during typhoon season, especially amid a sweeping anti-corruption campaign investigating alleged irregularities linked to flood infrastructure projects.

Aquino emphasized the need to involve Filipino scientists in crafting science-based solutions and investing in an integrated approach that considers both infrastructure and climate change impacts, urging the government to adopt new strategies and fund programs that truly protect people and their future instead of spending billions on often-failing flood control projects.

He also suggested rechanneling funds from traditional flood control projects toward climate-resilient infrastructure such as mangrove reforestation and watershed rehabilitation.