The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) admitted that President Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s mention of 5,500 projects was somewhat misleading.
During a Senate hearing, DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan admitted that the government still lacks a flood-control master plan.
According to Bonoan, the DPWH’s P1.4-B daily budget for flood control was only used for immediate relief.
“Yung 5,500 pala na programs [at] projects na natapos at ipinagmalaki ng ating pangulo noong SONA ay pache-pache lang,” said Sen. Joel Villanueva. “Hindi rin nakatulong kasi pache-pache nga po,”
Senator Imee Marcos questioned how the government spent the budget on flood control projects without a concrete master plan.
However, DPWH argued that despite their tremendous daily budget, they did not have enough to form a master plan or buy equipment.
Lawmakers also questioned the P23-B budget DPWH requested for ‘feasibility studies,’ which the previous administrations had already performed.
It can be recalled that several places in Luzon suffered from floods despite Marcos’ claims about the 5,500 flood projects.
The admission made by DPWH shed light on the current action of the government to prevent a flood.