Senate to quiz agencies on flood control budgets

Senate President Francis Escudero announced that senators will question agencies about their budget allocation for flood control projects due to ongoing flooding caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

Escudero stated that discussions will focus on the budgets of DPWH, DENR, DILG, DSWD, and DND/OCD during upcoming deliberations scheduled to resume on November 4, 2025.

He emphasized the need for accountability and preventive measures in future budgets to avoid similar calamities and ensure adequate rehabilitation efforts.

Senator Joel Villanueva highlighted that P31.9 billion was allocated for Bicol's flood control projects within DPWH’s budget of around P255 billion for 64, questioning whether these funds are effectively utilized.

For 2025, the proposed budget for flood control under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is PHP303 billion, an increase from PHP291.2 billion in 2023 and PHP353 billion in 2024.

Villanueva stressed the importance of assessing the impact and effectiveness of government flood control initiatives during budget deliberations, calling for an integrated and comprehensive master plan to address flooding and other effects of calamities.