Manila: House of Representatives Minority Leader, 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan, has raised concerns over the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) allocation of funds for flood control projects as outlined in its 2026 budget proposal.
According to Philippines News Agency, Libanan warned that poor planning and irrational allocations are fostering ghost and substandard projects, ultimately damaging the image and reputation of Congress. During the House Committee on Appropriations' deliberations on the 2026 budget for the DPWH, now under the leadership of newly appointed Secretary Vince Dizon, Libanan scrutinized the agency's decision to allocate nearly a third of its resources to flood control projects, leaving many vulnerable regions underserved.
Libanan questioned the criteria used by DPWH to identify project sites, emphasizing the need for strategic planning. The 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP), submitted by Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, allocates PHP250.8 billion to DPWH for flood control. Despite significant funding, Libanan pointed out that flooding issues persist, indicating a misalignment between hazard maps and project allocations.
He cited government geohazard mapping and assessment to highlight top flood-prone provinces, including Maguindanao, Cagayan, and Pangasinan, among others. Libanan noted that 12 provinces receiving flood control funding were not on this list, prompting questions about the agency's prioritization.
The Minority Leader expressed concern over suspicious project reporting in Eastern Samar, where discrepancies exist between declared and actual progress. He recalled that projects costing billions were implemented in non-priority areas, exacerbating the impact of natural disasters in typhoon-prone regions lacking essential infrastructure like seawalls.
Libanan stressed the importance of accurate needs identification, transparent fund allocation, and strict monitoring to prevent wasted resources on non-essential projects. He warned that unchecked project reports by contractors and local offices compromise accountability, enabling ghost projects to thrive.
His remarks underscore long-standing issues with DPWH's planning process, which has often left critical communities without necessary infrastructure despite substantial public spending. He called for prioritizing disaster-prone areas, emphasizing that misallocated funds can lead to loss of life and destruction of livelihoods.
