Investigating Billions for Flood Control Projects
MANILA, Philippines — An urgent investigation into the government’s flood control projects is essential to uncover bottlenecks and potential corruption, local leaders emphasized. The call to scrutinize the billions for flood control arises amid growing concerns over the effectiveness of these efforts.
Surigao del Sur 1st District Rep. Romeo Momo, former chairperson of the House committee on public works and highways, stressed the need to identify weak points that hinder progress. “We need to identify the bottlenecks—whether they are due to corruption, mismanagement, or poor planning—and ensure that these issues are immediately addressed,” Momo said in a recent statement.
Ensuring Proper Planning and Transparency
Flood control projects are vital as climate change worsens, but their success depends on sound feasibility studies, detailed engineering, and thorough master planning. Momo, a former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary, insisted that only well-planned projects can effectively reduce flooding risks.
He expressed full support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call to review flood control initiatives that failed to prevent flooding after three typhoons and the intensified southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat,” hit the country in July.
President Marcos Condemns Corruption
During his recent State of the Nation Address, President Marcos harshly criticized government officials and contractors accused of profiting from flood control projects. “They should be ashamed of themselves,” the President said, highlighting the urgent need for transparency and accountability.
Momo echoed this sentiment, stating, “The President has my full support in his call for transparency and accountability. Billions of pesos are allocated yearly for flood control, but our communities continue to suffer from widespread flooding.” He added that recent typhoons and the “habagat” only worsened the situation in Luzon.
Protecting Filipino Communities and Taxpayers
“We owe it to the Filipino people, to our taxpayers, to ensure that their hard-earned money is invested into projects that will protect them and their families,” Momo said. The urgency to address these issues is clear as flood-related problems remain a central concern in national discussions.
Meanwhile, government watchdogs and local leaders have raised alarms about the possible loss of billions allocated for flood control. Senator Panfilo Lacson recently warned that nearly half of the country’s almost P2 trillion flood control funds since 2011 might have been wasted, underscoring the need for thorough reviews.
As flooding continues to disrupt lives, the push for accountability and effective project management grows stronger. Authorities and stakeholders must work together to ensure flood control initiatives deliver real protection for vulnerable communities.
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