Senator Bong Go Urges DPWH to Revise Flood Control Master Plan
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and Senate Finance Committee, has called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to deliver a long-overdue master plan for flood control. He emphasized that the government must follow clear guidelines to effectively address the worsening flood situation, noting that senators have repeatedly reminded the department since 2023.
Officials reported that Senator Go stressed the importance of tackling corruption and negligence, which exacerbate flooding problems. “We cannot stop typhoons, but we can do something about excessive flooding, loss of livelihood, and lives. Corruption—we can stop that. The flood problem demands the unwavering attention of the government. Let us make corrupt officials accountable,” he said.
Concerns Over Misplaced Flood Control Projects
Community members noted that Senator Go raised serious concerns about ongoing flood control projects being implemented in areas without residents. He insisted these funds should prioritize vulnerable communities rather than empty zones. “Flood control should be placed in areas that are frequently flooded and where people need protection. Our question is, why place them in areas with no residents? There’s flood control but no people to protect, and no floods being controlled,” he explained.
Local leaders observed that some projects are situated in high-elevation areas with little to no flooding risk. “I’ve noticed that these flood control projects are being put in high areas with no people and no floods to control. That money should have been allocated to our other projects instead,” the senator added.
Strong Oversight on 2026 National Budget
As vice chairperson of both key committees, Senator Go vowed to closely monitor the 2026 budget allocations. He warned that billions must not be wasted on ineffective flood control initiatives. “I, with Senator Gatchalian, babantayan po namin itong budget for 2026,” he said, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
Sources said Go’s scrutiny comes amid a troubling disconnect: despite increasing flood control budgets, flooding incidents continue to worsen nationwide. “As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, typhoons hitting our country is nothing new. Flooding is nothing new either. But, Mr. Chair, I share the observation that despite billions of pesos allocated for flood control, the flooding is getting worse. It keeps increasing, and areas that never used to flood are now experiencing floods. Every year, the flood control budget keeps going up, but so does the flooding,” he warned.
Health Sector’s Urgent Needs Overlooked
Officials reported that Senator Go highlighted the imbalance in funding between flood control and health services. He cited the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) flooding as a critical example of neglected priorities. “I am also particularly concerned about the reports of an increasing number of leptospirosis cases overwhelming our hospitals. In my rounds to hospitals, it’s them that are getting flooded, but the health budget is only about a third of the DPWH’s budget,” he said.
He urged that government resources be directed where they truly benefit Filipinos, especially in health care. “I hope we allocate the budget to areas that the people will truly benefit from, especially in health – for building and upgrading hospitals, medical assistance, and PhilHealth benefits. Even hospitals are more flooded now, but the issue hasn’t been addressed up to now,” the senator emphasized.
Legislative Actions Against Corruption
In connection with his call for accountability, Go referenced his co-authorship of Senate Bill No. 783, which aims to prevent government officials’ relatives up to the fourth degree from engaging in government contracts. “And now we support this as well, especially with the current issues. I also co-authored Senate Bill No. 783,” he said, underscoring the need to curb corruption linked to flood control projects.
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