Flood control makes P107.4B comeback

The government has allocated P107.4 billion for flood control projects under the proposed 2027 national budget, a year after the program received zero funding amid controversy over alleged anomalous projects.

Acting Budget Secretary Robert Kim De Leon on Tuesday said the government decided to restore funding partly because of the severe flooding recently experienced across the country and the need to complete unfinished projects.

He stressed that the allocation will not solely finance new infrastructure but also the maintenance, repair and improvement of existing flood mitigation systems.

“These were the reasons why we agreed with some proposals from the Department of Public Works and Highways for their existing flood control projects that must be continued, finished, and fixed so that the public can realize its actual intended benefit,” De Leon said.

Flood control received no allocation under the 2026 national budget following controversy over alleged multibillion-peso corruption involving DPWH projects and supposed kickbacks tied to budget insertions.

De Leon said proposed projects for 2027 underwent stricter vetting with the DPWH, including requirements for proper tagging, locations and supporting documents.

The DBM also plans to use technology and satellite data to independently verify whether reported structures actually exist instead of relying solely on documentary accomplishment reports.

“We will no longer rely on documentary reports concerning the project's accomplishment, we will also be utilizing technology, satellite data to verify if the reported structures really exist,” he said.

Under the National Expenditure Program submitted to the House, the DPWH is proposed to receive P644 billion.