The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will no longer approve or implement any flood control project without a comprehensive plan or feasibility study, Secretary Vince Dizon told lawmakers during the budget hearing of their agency on Wednesday, September 17.

Dizon admitted that many of the problematic projects flagged in recent investigations lacked even the most basic planning documents.

“Marami po sa mga nakita natin ngayon na mga proyektong may problema dito sa flood control specifically ay mga proyekto po na wala man lang plano. Kahit feasibility study wala man lang po,” he said.

He added that beginning next year, all proposed projects must be backed by a national flood control master plan, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive.

During the hearing, Rep. Chel Diokno criticized the department for failing to maintain a comprehensive strategy despite its mandate.

“How ironic that a department that requires plans to implement projects apparently doesn’t have [master plans],” Diokno said.

“Very ironic po, Mr. Chairman," Dizon answered.

DPWH is set to improve all the infrastructure and flood mitigation projects along with their new budget proposal for 2026, including having plans to produce a masterplan for flood control projects for the country.