Senator Lacson Criticizes P2 Trillion Flood Control Spending Amid Persistent Flooding Crisis

Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson has expressed serious concerns over the country's ongoing flooding problems despite the government allocating nearly P2 trillion for flood control initiatives since 2011.\n\nIn a message posted on X, formerly Twitter, Lacson pointed out the seemingly paradoxical relationship between rising floodwaters and the increasing annual flood management budget. He stated, "Isn't it absurd that the rise of floodwaters in our malas (unfortunate) country is directly proportional to the increase in the annual budget for flood management?"\n\nLacson highlighted the questionable utilization of these substantial funds by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), noting the lack of tangible progress despite an average daily expenditure of approximately P350 million over 15 years. He suggested that these funds could have been more efficiently used, explaining, "At US$5 million or P285 million per unit, we could have bought a Cutter Suction Dredger every day, with the remaining P65 million used for operating expenses and maintenance." These dredgers are vital for removing silt and debris from waterways, a key element in preventing floods.\n\nHis critique follows recent data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, which reported at least 25 deaths, eight missing individuals, and over 3.85 million people affected by typhoons "Crising," "Dante," and "Emong," in addition to the enhanced southwest monsoon. Lacson described the human cost as evidence of a "completely unacceptable failure" in flood mitigation efforts.\n\nFurthermore, the senator questioned the fairness of budget allocations in the proposed 2025 national budget. He pointed out that one barangay in Oriental Mindoro was allocated P1.9 billion, while a small town in the same province received P10 billion for flood control—figures he deemed disproportionate and distorted.\n\nKnown for his role as a fiscal watchdog in the Senate, Lacson pledged to thoroughly examine the DPWH's flood control budget during the upcoming budget hearings. "I will grill the concerned officials on how these huge sums were allocated and what they have accomplished," he asserted.\n\nHe also called for enhanced transparency and accountability in the planning and execution of infrastructure projects, especially those related to disaster risk reduction. Lacson emphasized, "Lives are at stake. We deserve better than floods and wasted funds."