No Budget for New Flood Control Projects in 2027; Focus on Completing Unfinished Ones

Senate Finance Committee Chairperson Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said on Tuesday that no funds will be allocated in 2027 for new flood control projects, with funding instead focused on completing unfinished infrastructure and addressing gaps in flood mitigation, particularly in Luzon. In the 2026 national budget, funding for new flood mitigation projects was withheld following the exposure of anomalous and so-called ghost flood control projects. However, Ejercito said funding for flood control projects would still be necessary next year, given the severe flooding the country recently experienced amid heavy rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat). "But we saw the impact. When the rains continue, Central Luzon—from Tarlac, Pampanga, and Bulacan to Metro Manila—is really underwater," he said. “In my view, we have to resume funding, but only for uncompleted projects. We should complete unfinished flood control projects and address the gaps,” Ejercito added. The senator said that projects to be continued must be aligned with a master plan, supported by a feasibility study and located in any of the country’s 10 most flood-prone provinces. He added that if a master plan is not submitted, or if a project to be continued is not included in the plan, it may still proceed if it has the required approval from the regional or provincial development council to establish its necessity. “(hat’s why we’re requiring Regional Development Council approval, or at least provincial council approval, so that the province itself knows that the project is needed. If the RDC or provincial council approves it, it means the project is necessary,” Ejercito said. “No new projects, complete all the uncompleted projects and close the gaps,” he added. The senator said resuming funding for unfinished projects would also help accelerate infrastructure spending. He said the economic slowdown was an unintended consequence of the sharp decline in public spending in previous quarters following the exposure of the flood control scandal. “We now have to accelerate spending, but at the same time, without, of course, sacrificing accountability. We still need to monitor it closely,” Ejercito said. He urged civil society organizations and other watchdog groups to coordinate with authorities if they identify suspicious projects so these can be properly investigated by the concerned agencies. Under the proposed 2027 national budget, P107.4 billion is allocated to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for flood control projects to maintain, repair and enhance existing infrastructure.— MCG, GMA News