Marcos vetoes P16.7B in flood control projects from 2025 budget

DAVAO CITY ––President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vetoed P16.7 billion worth of flood control projects in the 2025 national budget, citing discrepancies between the proposed projects and the priorities outlined in the National Expenditure Program (NEP).

The President signed the P6.326 trillion budget on Monday, emphasizing the need to streamline infrastructure investments.

In his veto message, Marcos removed allocations for several flood-related initiatives, including:

The vetoed projects affected multiple regions, with Region 3 seeing the highest cuts at ₱7 billion, Region 2 with ₱3.2 billion, and Region 5 with ₱2.73 billion. Other regions impacted include the National Capital Region (₱1.75 billion), Region 1 (₱1.1 billion), and smaller allocations from Regions 6, 4A, 4B, and 7.

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Undersecretary Goddes Libiran explained that the vetoed items were not part of the President’s NEP, which outlines the government’s priority projects for implementation by agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

“These items were not included in the proposed budget prepared by the implementing agencies. The President’s veto ensures that the budget remains aligned with the administration’s strategic priorities,” Libiran said during a briefing on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.

An analysis by GMA Integrated News Research revealed that the vetoed projects included 107 flood control initiatives, 49 related to water supply, and 25 for multipurpose buildings.

The move underscores the administration’s push for a leaner, more focused infrastructure program that aligns with its long-term development goals.

Critics have expressed concern over removing flood control projects, citing the increasing frequency and severity of flooding nationwide. However, the administration maintains that the veto reflects a commitment to fiscal discipline and efficient allocation of resources.