By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos is calling for transparency regarding the budget allocated for flood control projects in Bicol amid ongoing severe flooding in the region.
“It’s unacceptable that ₱132 billion has been earmarked for Bicol flood control projects, yet communities are still flooded, and families are suffering. The public deserves to know where these funds went,” Marcos said.
According to the 2024 General Appropriations Act, Bicol received ₱31.94 billion this year alone, totaling nearly ₱133 billion over the past six years.
Of this amount, more than ₱86.6 billion was allocated in the past two years. Yet, Typhoon Kristine has once again left the region in crisis, highlighting insufficient infrastructure and critical gaps in flood control measures.
The senator is urging government agencies, particularly the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), to provide a full accounting of the funds and the progress of these projects.
She supports a thorough investigation into the budget’s utilization, scheduled for discussion in the November budget hearings.
“For the 2025 budget, we need concrete, well-engineered solutions that genuinely address climate threats—not outdated projects that put lives, homes, and livelihoods at risk,” she emphasized.
ia/mnm
