Senator Links Flood Control Projects to Congressional Insertions
Senator Panfilo Lacson has exposed a connection between flood control projects and congressional insertions, revealing that certain initiatives in Oriental Mindoro municipalities were funded through this controversial method. The senator’s disclosure focused on projects in Baco and Naujan, highlighting the significant role of congressional insertions in their financing.
Details of the Alleged Congressional Insertions
During a recent privilege speech, the senator unveiled what he described as “serious congressional insertions” tied to flood control efforts. Though he did not directly name the involved legislator, a slide presentation shown during the session identified Congressman Arnan Panaligan. The presentation included Panaligan’s accomplishment report covering June 30, 2022, to December 31, 2023.
The congressman’s name appeared alongside the “AGILA” banner, representing Aksyon ng Gobyerno at Inisyatibo sa Larangang Lehislatura. Lacson emphasized that the projects were openly listed as funded by the congressman’s office, including initiatives focused on flood control and river protection.
Flood Control Projects Under Scrutiny
Officials reported that banners bearing the AGILA logo were visible on multiple projects in the municipalities of Naujan and Baco. Notably, a P95-million flood control project in Barangay Burbuli, Baco, awarded to Silverwolves Construction Corporation, prominently displayed the AGILA banner.
Lacson remarked on the importance of this project, noting that it secured funding through unprogrammed appropriations in the 2024 national budget. The municipality of Baco reportedly lists projects amounting to P807 million, while Naujan benefits from P3.6 billion worth of projects, all attributed to the congressman’s office.
Additional Flood Control Structures Cited
The senator also pointed out a P231-million flood control structure located along the Butas River in Barangay San Jose, Naujan. This project, like others, was allegedly financed using unprogrammed funds and claimed by the congressman’s office.
“These are two AGILA projects that we discovered were funded from unprogrammed funds: one in Barangay Burbuli and another in Barangay San Jose,” Lacson stated in Filipino. Community members noted that in Naujan alone, flood control projects total P10 billion, which accounts for 55 percent of the province’s 2025 flood mitigation budget.
Implications for Local Governance and Budgeting
Local leaders expressed concern over the heavy reliance on unprogrammed funds for these flood control projects, raising questions about transparency and proper allocation of public resources. The senator’s revelations have sparked discussions about the accountability of congressional insertions in local development programs.
As flood control remains a critical issue in Oriental Mindoro, the link between congressional insertions and project funding continues to draw attention from various sectors. Officials reported that closer scrutiny and clearer guidelines may be necessary to ensure that public funds are used effectively and responsibly.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
