Go asks for clear flood control master plan

As severe tropical storm “Crising” battered the Philippines and exacerbated southwest monsoon rains, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go underscored the urgent need for targeted, results-oriented flood control infrastructure and swift government action to mitigate the damage and protect the public, particularly with millions of students preparing to return to school by early August.

Go highlighted both immediate interventions and long-term structural solutions as indispensable. He reiterated his persistent advocacy for more effective use of flood control projects and emphasized accountability among implementing agencies.

The senator cited his consistent appeals during a Committee on Public Works hearing the previous years, emphasizing transparency, planning and proper prioritization to ensure flood control projects are directed where they are most needed.

“‘Yun lang po ang tatlong hiningi ko: accomplishment report, copy of master plan at prioritization dito sa mga flood control projects,” he stressed earlier as he appealed to DPWH officials.

Go emphasized that a coherent and properly executed master plan must guide the implementation of flood mitigation infrastructure in order to ensure that funds are utilized properly without graft or corruption.

He lamented the persisting conditions that have made some flood control projects ineffective, pointing to clogged drainage and poor maintenance.

The senator also called on Filipinos, especially those affected by the recent typhoon and widespread flooding, not to hesitate in seeking medical care when needed. He emphasized the importance of strengthening public awareness on Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) benefits, particularly in light of increasing health risks during the rainy season.

Go raised concerns over the surge of waterborne and vector-borne diseases that commonly follow prolonged flooding — such as leptospirosis, dengue and acute gastrointestinal infections. These threats, he noted, tend to strike hardest in communities already overwhelmed by natural disasters and poverty.

The recent typhoons, which caused extensive flooding across several regions, has compounded public health vulnerabilities typically associated with poor sanitation and stagnant water.

Go reiterated that the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, or Republic Act 11223, mandates PhilHealth to proactively expand its benefits and services to protect vulnerable populations.

To reinforce awareness and recognition of health insurance coverage, Go filed SBN 170 or the proposed PhilHealth Card Act at the start of the 20th Congress. The proposed legislation seeks to mandate the issuance of PhilHealth cards to all Filipinos, strengthening public understanding of their rights and entitlements under the National Health Insurance Program, if passed.