Senate President Francis Escudero on Sunday said he is pushing to slash ₱250.8 billion from flood control projects in the Department of Public Works and Highways’ proposed ₱881.3 billion 2026 budget, redirecting funds to health, education, and food production.
“If we let this stand as it is, this budget will be deluged with criticism,” Escudero said. He noted that the flood control allocation accounts for nearly one-third of the DPWH budget. “Only ₱13 billion is allocated for new classrooms, yet the flood control budget is overflowing with funds. It is even larger than the allocation for new roads and five times bigger than the funding for new bridges.”
The Department of Budget and Management earlier submitted the proposal to Congress, including ₱108 billion for asset preservation, ₱182.5 billion for network development, ₱52 billion for bridges, ₱15.4 billion for local programs, and ₱167.8 billion for special support projects.
Escudero urged revisions, saying funds should only be allocated “to areas where people are most vulnerable to flooding.” He added: “I encourage DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon to explore possible partnerships with various LGUs and the private sector with respect to cleaning our rivers, particularly in Metro Manila, while all public infrastructure projects are under review.”
