Gatchalian threatens to cut flood control budget for ineffective projects

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian threatened to cut the budget for flood control projects in 2026 unless the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) can assure their effectiveness.

Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, warned that he would allocate zero funding if the system is not fixed, suggesting instead to redirect funds towards education.

The DPWH has earmarked P274 billion for flood control measures next year, a significant portion of which has been contracted by only 15 companies since 2022.

Gatchalian emphasized that wasting funds on ineffective projects would erode public trust and suggested redirecting the budget to address classroom shortages.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. questioned why just 15 construction firms received about P100 billion for flood control projects during a specific period, though he did not directly accuse them of corruption.

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan stated that the agency is investigating these projects and focusing on the 15 contractors to provide an update to the President.