MANILA: Senator Imee Marcos has called for full transparency regarding the PHP132 billion allocated for flood control in the Bicol region since 2018, following ongoing severe flooding in the area. Marcos emphasized the necessity for public accountability, expressing concern over the continued inundation and suffering of communities despite the substantial budget dedicated to flood control projects.
According to Philippines News Agency, the 2024 General Appropriations Act reveals that Bicol received PHP31.94 billion this year alone, contributing to a nearly PHP133 billion total over six years. Marcos highlighted that more than PHP86.6 billion of this amount was allocated in the last two years. She pointed out that the recent flooding caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, known internationally as Trami, has underscored significant infrastructure inadequacies and gaps in flood mitigation efforts.
Marcos has urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to deliver a comprehensive account of the f
unds and the progress of the flood control projects. She also expressed her support for a thorough investigation into the budget’s utilization, which is scheduled for discussion during the November budget hearings. Emphasizing the need for effective solutions, she stated, “For the 2025 budget, we need concrete, well-engineered solutions that effectively address climate threats, not outdated projects that risk lives, homes, and livelihoods.”