By Pinoy Writings News Desk
Date: November 9, 2025
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration has allocated billions of pesos to flood control projects nationwide, claiming it as part of his infrastructure modernization agenda. However, reports from budget hearings and watchdog groups reveal that several budget insertions were included in the 2024 and 2025 General Appropriations Acts (GAA), raising questions about transparency and the real purpose behind the allocations.
According to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the flood control budget reached over ₱250 billion, a sharp increase from previous years. The funding was passed through the House of Representatives and the Senate before it was finally signed by President Marcos Jr. under the Republic Act No. 11975, or the 2025 General Appropriations Act.
Insiders in Congress revealed that some lawmakers allegedly inserted “last-minute amendments” into the flood control budget, with certain districts receiving disproportionately high funding. Critics have described these as “pork barrel-style insertions”, which often lead to ghost projects or redundant constructions in already-developed areas.
During a press briefing, President Marcos defended the budget, saying that “flood control projects are essential to protect the lives and livelihoods of Filipinos.” However, transparency advocates insist that the Commission on Audit (COA) should thoroughly review the disbursement of funds and the implementation of these projects to ensure accountability.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the main implementing agency, has been tasked to submit quarterly reports on the status of all flood control projects. Yet, watchdog groups and citizens continue to call for public access to project details, particularly in regions where flood control infrastructure remains incomplete or unused.
As of late 2025, questions linger about how much of the massive flood control budget truly benefits the people — and how much might have been lost to political maneuvering and hidden insertions.
