Duplicated NEP Funding for Flood Control Projects
Marikina 1st District Rep. Marcelino Teodoro revealed that the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) once again allocates funds for completed flood control projects and road repairs. This duplication was confirmed following the submission of the NEP by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), raising concerns over redundant budgeting.
Local officials reported that the inclusion of these completed projects in the NEP budget aligns with House Deputy Ronaldo Puno’s earlier disclosure about repeated funding for finalized infrastructure. This issue highlights the need for tighter scrutiny and coordination among government agencies.
Consultation with DPWH Uncovers Overlapping Allocations
During a recent consultation with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regarding infrastructure proposals, Rep. Teodoro pointed out specific projects in his district that raised questions. “There were several items I noticed, and I told Secretary Manuel Bonoan that as early as 2023, a slope protection project at Balanti Creek in Barangay Sto. Niño had already been completed, yet I saw an item included under the flood mitigation program that would be done again,” Teodoro said.
Community members noted that this revelation prompted Teodoro to consider returning the NEP to the DBM due to the unnecessary budget allocations. Puno further inspected his own district in Antipolo and found that some projects previously listed by the DPWH regional office were no longer included, indicating inconsistent project tracking.
DPWH Shocked by Findings, Calls for Clarification
Teodoro sought explanations from the DPWH, clarifying that the duplication resulted from agency-prepared lists rather than decisions made by Congress. Officials reported that DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan was surprised by these findings and immediately contacted the DPWH Regional Director for NCR to investigate further.
“He called the DPWH Regional Director for NCR because this line item is to be implemented by both the Central Office and the National Capital Region. It’s very general and vaguely identified with no specifications provided, so I said it should be clarified and properly explained,” Teodoro added.
Concerns Over Redundant Road Repairs and Insufficient Drainage Funds
Teodoro also criticized the allocation of funds for road repairs on well-maintained streets, which he says leads to wasteful spending. He urged the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and DPWH to better coordinate their efforts to avoid redundant budgeting.
For instance, the DPWH included road works for Malaya Street in Barangay Malanday, Marikina City, despite the street being in good condition and recent drainage improvements by the MMDA. Local leaders expressed frustration over this apparent misallocation of resources.
Inadequate Drainage Funding Fuels Persistent Flooding
Moreover, Teodoro lamented the insufficient budget for drainage along Sumulong Highway, which connects to Balanti Creek and frequently floods. He highlighted that the current funding would not cover the necessary 361 meters of drainage infrastructure.
“I saw in the NEP submitted by the DPWH that less than half of the 331 meters will be completed next year. So it will still be an unfinished project that has been budgeted for one year,” he said. Concerns were also raised that some projects lacked proper ground validation, with vague labels such as “drainage outfall phase one” without clear locations or details.
These revelations underscore the critical need for thorough project reviews and enhanced inter-agency coordination to ensure public funds are allocated efficiently and effectively.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
