With the budget season in full swing, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said that the upcoming Senate budget hearings should serve as a venue to demand answers and accountability from government agencies regarding substandard and ghost flood-control projects.
The lawmaker stressed that the deliberations on the proposed national budget provide Congress an opportunity to scrutinize how public funds were allocated and spent, including billions of pesos intended for flood control and other infrastructure projects.
“Kakausapin din natin ang mga kongresista dahil nga budget ito. Budget hearing na. Budget season na. Dapat sila panagutin, magpaliwanag, at ano ang solusyon sa problema na ito. Makakaasa sila,” he said in an interview on Tuesday, September 8, on RW 95.1 FM.
The senator made these statements amid ongoing flooding in Luzon, particularly in Metro Manila and Regions 3 and 4, because of the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) and several typhoons.
Pangilinan, in particular, is extending help to his father’s home province of Pampanga, which is now under a State of Calamity following the widespread damage caused by habagat. More than 300 barangays across 16 of its localities were submerged in floodwater, a report by the Office of the Civil Defense said a week ago.
“Right now, we are in touch with the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) dahil nag-announce si Governor Nanay (Lilia Pineda) yung pagtulong ng national government yung sa Sabo Dam,” he shared.
“So, we are in touch with NIA (National Irrigation Administration), with (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon. Haharap na sila sa budget. Uunahin natin yun anong ginagawa nila dito sa pinangako para matulungan ang Pampanga na Sabo Dam na sinasabi na strategic at iba pang mga long-term solutions,” he added.
Pangilinan also welcomed public criticism of flood-control failures, pointing out that Filipinos must demand accountability and transparency and voice their frustrations.
“Well, ako, sa akin, kung maaari, tayo ay direktang apektado nitong baha eh sulatan natin, kausapin natin, makipagpulong tayo sa ating mga lokal na opisyal at singilin, magtulong-tulong para mahanapan ng solusyon itong problema ng pagbaha,” he said.
During the interview, he also underscored the need for a comprehensive and long-term approach to flooding, rather than relying on isolated or poorly coordinated projects.
He has been advocating for a unified flood-control master plan that would not only lead to better flood-control and mitigation systems but also address the country’s need for potable water, irrigation water, and hydropower.