The proposed P107.4 billion allocation for flood control projects could be better used to address the country’s classroom shortage, particularly as alleged anomalies in infrastructure projects remain largely unresolved, a lawmaker said.

During a congressional inquiry into the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP), ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. Antonio Tinio criticized the government for continuing to prioritize flood control despite the lack of accountability in the infrastructure scandal.

“It is clear to this representation that there have been no substantial changes in their process of identifying or funding flood control projects. Therefore, it should not be re-integrated in the current budget,” Tinio said.

“The funding should be allocated to classrooms instead of flood control. The targeted construction of classrooms in your budget for 2027 is 700,” he added.

Tinio said the country faces a classroom shortage of about 160,000, noting that the Department of Education’s target for new classrooms in 2027 is only 700, down sharply from 4,869 targeted for 2026.

The NEP, however, also lists 5,887 classroom construction projects that are expected to remain ongoing in 2027.

Tinio questioned whether President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. could fulfill his commitment to build 40,000 classrooms before the end of his term given the proposed 2027 target.

“How can the Marcos administration reach its promised 40,000 classrooms before his term ends if his target for the upcoming year is only 700?” he asked.

New year, same schemes

Tinio also flagged what he described as a repeat of an alleged scheme involving budget insertions for local government units through the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), which he called “LGU pork.”

He recalled that Marcos had initially proposed P111.5 billion for the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund and P198 billion for the Pension and Gratuity Management Fund.

During the bicameral conference committee, the allocations were reduced by P43.22 billion and the amount was reallocated to the LGSF before being transferred to Unprogrammed Appropriations.