DPWH seeks P107.4 billion for flood control projects in 2027

Acting Budget Secretary Kim de Leon says that this is meant to support ongoing flood control projects MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is seeking P107.4 billion for flood control projects for 2027, a year after the government scrapped funding for such projects amid a corruption scandal. Acting Budget Secretary Kim de Leon explained in a press briefing on Tuesday, August 11, that the funds are meant to support ongoing flood control projects. “Hindi naman po natin puwedeng pabayaan ‘yung mga naumpisahan nang flood control projects. Mas hindi po magiging maayos ang epekto kung mananatiling nakatiwangwang ‘yung mga naumpisahan nang flood control projects,” De Leon said. (We cannot neglect the flood control projects that are already underway. Abandoning these ongoing flood control projects will only lead to far worse consequences.) De Leon also pointed out that flood control projects require spending beyond their initial construction costs, as some facilities come with recurring operating expenses. He cited pumping stations, which need to be maintained and operated every year. During the previous budget deliberations, the DPWH scrapped P252 billion worth of locally funded flood control projects from the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP), following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive. The decision came after the government uncovered substandard and ghost flood control projects across the country. Some government officials — including senators, congressmen, and DPWH personnel — allegedly benefited from these projects. Under the Marcos administration, the funding for flood control projects spiked. To prevent the recurrence of ghost projects, De Leon said the DPWH has ensured that projects included in the NEP are properly tagged, with identified locations and corresponding programs of work. The DPWH got the second biggest allocation of P644 billion under the proposed 2027 budget. The allocation for the flood control project accounts for 16% of the agency’s total proposed allocation. Aside from the DPWH allocation, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is seeking P3.41 billion for its flood control program, including the operation of flood control structures. – Rappler.com How does this make you feel? Loading