Sen Aquino calls to redirect PHP243B flood control budget to education, healthcare

Senator Bam Aquino called for a reassessment of the proposed PHP243-billion flood control budget for 2026.

Aquino suggested redirecting funds to education and healthcare, emphasizing the importance of spending on classrooms, learning equipment, and healthcare coverage.

The senator noted that despite PHP1.47 trillion spent on flood projects from 2009 to 2024, many communities still suffer from poor drainage and outdated infrastructure.

Aquino cited a backlog of 166,000 classrooms and the lack of universal access to medical services as reasons for reallocating funds.

He filed Senate Resolution No. 28 seeking a review of the Department of Public Works and Highways' use of the PHP360-billion flood control budget under the 2025 General Appropriations Act.