Manila: Senator Imee Marcos said Wednesday the public deserves transparency on what happened to the PHP132 billion allocated since 2018 for flood control in Bicol after continued severe flooding in the region. 'It is unacceptable that PHP132 billion has been designated for Bicol flood control projects, yet communities remain inundated, and families are suffering. The public deserves transparency on where these funds went,' Marcos said in a news release. Based on the 2024 General Appropriations Act, Bicol received PHP31.94 billion this year alone, bringing the six-year total to nearly PHP133 billion. Of this amount, Marcos said more than PHP86.6 billion was allocated in just the past two years. She said flooding brought by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami) has once again exposed inadequate infrastructure and critical gaps in flood mitigation. Marcos asked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to provide a full accounting of the funds and progress of these projects, add ing that she would support a thorough investigation into the budget's use, set for discussion in the November budget hearings. 'For the 2025 budget, we need concrete, well-engineered solutions that effectively address climate threats, not outdated projects that risk lives, homes, and livelihoods,' she said. Source: Philippines News Agency