MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Several Philippine senators have announced plans to investigate flood control projects worth 244.57 billion pesos ($4.3 billion) following widespread flooding caused by Super Typhoon Carina.
Senate President Francis Escudero questioned the effectiveness of current flood control measures and the use of allocated funds. “What happened to ‘building back better’? Are we just going to accept that heavy rain will always lead to floods and paralyzed daily life?” Escudero said in a statement Thursday.
Escudero highlighted that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has an allocation of approximately 255 billion pesos ($4.5 billion) for flood control projects. This figure surpasses budgets for irrigation, new hospital construction, and the Departments of Agriculture and Health combined.
The Senate Committee on Public Works, chaired by Senator Ramon Revilla Jr., will conduct an inquiry into the apparent inefficacy of flood control projects despite substantial funding. The investigation aims to assess current systems and develop solutions to protect communities from flooding and severe weather events.
Senator Joel Villanueva also called for an investigation, citing concerns over possible misallocation of funds and ineffective implementation. This comes days after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. touted the completion of 5,500 flood control projects in his State of the Nation Address (SONA).
“We’re talking about 1 billion pesos a day for the past two years,” Villanueva said. “It appears the President is being misled by some people around him.”
Villanueva plans to deliver a privilege speech in the Senate on Monday to address the issue. He emphasized the need for anticipation and proper planning in flood control projects, given the Philippines’ average of 20 typhoons annually.
Senator Nancy Binay criticized the implementation of flood control programs despite significant funding. “It is deeply concerning that, in this age of advanced technology and substantial resources, our flood management systems remain painfully inadequate,” she said, calling for accountability.
The senators’ statements come in the wake of severe flooding experienced in many parts of the country following Super Typhoon Carina. The investigation will scrutinize the allocation and effectiveness of billions in taxpayer funds dedicated to flood control measures.
