Secretary Manny Bonoan expressed openness to reducing the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget following Ramon Ang’s offer to assist in addressing the country’s worsening flooding problems.

Speaking at a press briefing with Metro Manila Development Authority Chair Don Artes and other Metro Manila officials on Friday, 8 August, Bonoan said the department has yet to receive a formal proposal from the tycoon.

The DPWH has faced criticism from Senator Panfilo Lacson, who pointed out that despite receiving P2 trillion in allocations since 2011, there has been little visible improvement. Lacson suggested reducing the department’s budget.

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said in a separate press briefing that private sector participation is crucial to the success of such projects, expressing gratitude for Ang’s offer.

“What else? What else can you say? From the very beginning I always said the private sectors needs to be part of everything, of our national development," Marcos stated.