Proposal to Redirect Flood Control Funds to Education
In light of ongoing concerns about corruption and poor workmanship in flood control projects, Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Legarda Leviste has urged the government to reconsider its budget priorities. He proposed that the over P250 billion allocated for flood control in 2026 be redirected toward classroom construction and other urgent educational needs.
During the House of Representatives’ Committee on Appropriations initial hearing, Leviste emphasized the importance of addressing the education sector by reallocating flood control funds. “The president has indicated that flood control projects are a possible source of corruption,” he noted, suggesting that half of the budget could be used to build more classrooms while the other half could help reduce taxes.
Budget Adjustments and Fiscal Perspectives
Leviste, who also serves as the committee’s vice chairperson, questioned the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on whether such a budget realignment would face opposition. He asked if reallocating a significant portion of the flood control budget toward education and tax reduction aligns with the government’s fiscal goals, especially since the economic team aims to reduce the deficit to 3 percent.
He stated, “I would just like to ask if, from a fiscal perspective, the economic team has any objection if the House allocates much of this P250 billion plus of flood control projects to half education spending and half lower taxes.” This proposal reflects a push for more strategic and efficient use of government funds.
DBM Welcomes Congressional Decision
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman responded that it ultimately falls to Congress to decide on reallocating flood control funds. She affirmed that the executive branch prioritizes education spending in 2026 and would not object to changes as long as the Department of Education (DepEd) can fully absorb the additional funds.
“DepEd has stated that it has the absorptive capacity to deliver more classrooms,” Pangandaman added, highlighting that the current allocation of P13 billion for classroom construction is based on available fiscal space. She welcomed any increase in funding to education through budget realignment.
Advocacy for Education Funding and Student Support
Leviste has been a strong advocate for education funding. He recently filed House Bill No. 27, which aims to provide Filipino students from kindergarten to college a monthly cash allowance of P1,000. This support is intended to cover food, transportation, and other educational expenses, while also encouraging attendance since class participation is a requirement for receiving the grant.
On July 11, Leviste demonstrated the program’s feasibility by personally distributing P1,000 allowances to students in several schools within his district using funds from his Lingkod Legarda Leviste Foundation. He also revealed that he raised ₱34 billion by selling his controlling stake in Solar Philippines New Energy Corporation to the Manila Electric Company after his election.
Funding the Nationwide Program through Efficient Spending
When asked about financing the program nationwide, Leviste stressed the need to reduce wastage by carefully evaluating government projects. He suggested that Congress should identify which projects are essential and which are prone to losses. By cutting funding for projects vulnerable to corruption or inefficiency, the country could support his education allowance proposal.
He added that even if reallocating funds to education increases the deficit, it would be a worthwhile investment in the nation’s future, prioritizing the welfare and development of Filipino students.
Context: Flood Control Project Concerns
The focus on flood control funding comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. condemned officials and contractors allegedly involved in kickbacks tied to these projects. Marcos expressed shame over the corruption during his fourth State of the Nation Address.
Senator Panfilo Lacson previously warned that nearly half of the country’s P2 trillion allocated for flood control since 2011 might have been lost due to corruption, prompting calls for a thorough review. Marcos later released a list of contractors, with observers noting connections between these firms and politicians.
For more news and updates on flood control funds, visit Filipinokami.com.
