MANILA(January 5) — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Monday clarified that its proposed 2026 budget contains no funding for new locally funded flood control projects, debunking reports that P2.49 billion had been set aside for fresh infrastructure works.
In a statement, the DPWH said the P2.49-billion allocation is strictly for maintenance and other operating expenses of existing flood control facilities, including the national government’s Oplan Kontra Baha program.
“These funds are intended to support declogging, desilting, dredging, repair, and clearing of waterways and drainage systems nationwide,” the agency said, adding that it aims to mitigate flooding risks “despite fiscal constraints.”
The absence of funding for new flood control projects, the DPWH stressed, is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’ directive to streamline government expenditures and tighten oversight on public works spending.
The clarification follows news reports claiming that P2.49 billion had been earmarked for flood control and drainage structures to be implemented across 18 regions.
The DPWH said these reports mischaracterized the allocation, which is limited to sustaining and repairing existing facilities.
The agency’s budget posture comes as the DPWH remains under intense public and congressional scrutiny over alleged ghost and substandard flood control projects, where billions of pesos in public funds were reportedly lost.
Critics argue that the lack of new funding underscores lingering questions over accountability and the effectiveness of past flood control spending, especially as communities continue to suffer from recurring floods.
The DPWH said it remains committed to maximizing available resources while complying with reforms aimed at preventing corruption and improving project quality.
