Senator Bam Aquino urged a reassessment of the proposed PHP243-billion flood control budget for 2026, suggesting that funds for unnecessary projects be redirected to education and healthcare.
He emphasized prioritizing spending on classrooms, learning equipment, and universal healthcare coverage, highlighting the country’s 166,000-classroom backlog and limited medical access.
Aquino predicted the flood control budget would be significantly reduced, with some funds reallocated to support free education and healthcare programs.
He also filed a Senate resolution calling for a review of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ use of the PHP360-billion flood control budget for 2025.
Aquino noted that despite PHP1.47 trillion spent on flood control projects from 2009 to 2024, many communities continue to face poor drainage and inadequate flood management.
Source: PhilNews24 | August 29, 2025
