Failed massive spending hit: Senate probes unrelenting flooding across PH
MANILA, Philippines — The Senate on Wednesday began investigating the perennial flooding in Metro Manila and susceptible provinces, seeking to determine the changes needed to improve the country’s flood programs.
Resolutions filed by several senators, including panel chair Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr, spurred the Senate’s committee on public works to inquire into the frequent deluge.
In his measure – Senate Resolution No. 52 – Revilla said the investigation aims to create a “comprehensive and cost-efficient” solution to the flooding problem that would “immediately bring relief to the public.”
“[D]espite the flood control management master plan of the government and the annual budget allotted for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), flooding and its adverse effects continue to challenge many communities nationwide, especially during the rainy season,” the resolution reads.
“The DPWH and MMDA have a combined annual [allocation] of more than P125 billion for flood control management program in the 2022 General Annual Appropriations,” it adds.
Meanwhile, in a separate statement issued in early August, Revilla expressed his ire over the situation, reiterating that pointless explanations will bring no good nor contribute towards the betterment of the country’s dilemma.
“Hindi na paliwanag ang kailangan ng taumbayan, ang kailangan natin ay aksiyon, solusyon at hindi anesthesia para hindi maramdaman ng publiko ang hirap sa pagbaha dahil lamang sa hindi matukoy ang problema,” he stressed.
(The people need not an explanation; we need action, solutions, and not anesthetic so that the public does not feel the difficulties of flooding simply because the government can’t troubleshoot what’s causing it.)
The latest data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council showed that tropical cyclones Egay (international name: Doksuri), Falcon (international name: Khanun) and the southwest monsoon had combined to cause 1,160 floodings in various parts of the country.
