SENATE, Pasay City — Senate Committee on Finance chairperson
Senator Paolo Benigno 'Bam' Aquino IV has filed a resolution urging the appropriate Senate committees to review how the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other implementing agencies have spent the more than PhP360-billion flood control budget for the current year.

According to Aquino, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, “there is a need to review the flood control strategies being implemented by the DPWH and other concerned agencies to be more cost-effective, suitable, innovative, and efficient to address the worsening conditions during the typhoon season in the Philippines.”

“Despite the PhP1.47 trillion allocated for flood control from 2009 to 2024, the country still suffers from poor drainage systems, ineffective flood measures, outdated pumping stations, and a lack of community-based flood risk management,” the senator noted.

Aquino also called on the government to tap Filipino scientists in crafting science-based flood control measures while investing on an integrated and scientific solution—from infrastructure to the effects of climate change—to address flooding in the country.

“Panahon na para gumamit ng ibang estratehiya. Let’s tap our world-class Filipino scientists and other experts in preventing flooding. Marami silang maiaambag sa pagresolba ng problemang ito,” he pointed out.
“Sa halip na gumasta tayo ng daang-bilyong piso sa flood control projects na kadalasa’y palpak at pinagmumulan pa ng katiwalian, pondohan natin ang mga programang tiyak na magbibigay proteksyon sa taumbayan at sa ating kinabukasan,” he added.