Senator Pangilinan wants clear Pampanga flood plan before approving DPWH budget

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan warned that he would oppose the proposed 2027 budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) if the agency fails to present a clear and sufficiently funded plan to address Pampanga’s long-running flooding problem.

Pangilinan issued the warning after visiting flood-hit areas in Pampanga on Friday, Sept. 11, together with Senator Lito Lapid, where they assessed the situation and distributed relief packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to affected residents.

With the Senate set to begin scrutinizing agency budgets, Pangilinan said the upcoming DPWH hearing would be an opportunity to press the agency for details on its proposed flood-control projects and funding for Pampanga.

“Pero alam natin ano ba ang mas mahalagang solusyon sa usapin nung pagbabaha? Kaya next week, may budget hearing na sa Senado. Haharap samin ang DPWH,” he said.

He said the senators would demand a specific plan, including the projects to be implemented and the amount that would be allocated to address the province’s flooding.

“Hihilingin natin ang plano ng DPWH at ilalaban natin yung dagdag na budget at kapag hindi nila sinagot yung ating tanong na anong gagawin natin sa Pampanga, ano ang proyekto ninyo sa flood control, magkano ang budget na ilalaan ninyo, kapag hindi tayo nakuntento, hindi natin ipapasa ang budget nila,” he added.

Pangilinan and Lapid said they would push for a dedicated and adequately funded master plan for Pampanga’s flood-control needs.

Pangilinan said Pampanga had endured flooding for 36 days. He also assured residents that they could continue to seek assistance from his office.

The two senators visited Santo Tomas and San Luis as part of the relief operation and to inspect the conditions of communities affected by the prolonged flooding.

Beyond Pampanga, Pangilinan said the Senate’s review of the proposed 2027 national budget should be used to strengthen transparency and accountability in government flood-control spending, particularly amid allegations involving substandard and so-called ghost projects.

-Paraluman News