The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is seeking ₱274 billion for flood control projects in 2026, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman told lawmakers during the budget hearing on Thursday, August 18.
Akbayan Partylist Representative Chel Diokno questioned the ₱270-billion allocation, citing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 's earlier warning that many flood control projects serve as “pork barrel.”
She explained that the figure was based on DPWH’s technical studies and its own budgeting formula.
“The DPWH provided the figure based on their priority and the formula that they actually formulated when they prepared their budget proposal to the DBM,” Pangandaman said.
The proposed allocation falls under the Department of Budget and Management’s target of spending 5–6% of the country’s GDP on infrastructure next year. Pangandaman stressed that department heads like the DPWH are accountable for ensuring the proper implementation of their projects.
She added that DPWH has identified flood control works already supported by technical research.
“Wag na magdagdag ng hindi pa napag-aralan,” she emphasized.
Meanwhile, Pangandaman clarified that the proposal came directly from the DPWH, not the DBM.
Program Convergent Budgeting
Under this approach, the DBM aims to prioritize big-ticket flood control initiatives funded by the national government, moving beyond small-scale projects.
Meanwhile, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan is set to appear before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee today, August 19, along with the country’s top 15 contractors, to answer issues linked to problematic flood control projects.
