Lawmaker calls for probe into P244-B flood control projects after Carina

Rescuers ride on their boat as they evacuate residents from their flooded homes in Tumana village, Marikina City, east of Manila on July 24, 2024, amid heavy rains brought about by Typhoon Carina. Relentless rain drenched the northern Philippines on July 24, triggering flooding in Manila and landslides in mountainous regions as Typhoon Carina intensified the seasonal monsoon. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE/AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas has called for a probe into the P244.57-billion flood control projects after many parts of the country were flooded due to the heavy rains brought by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.

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“The disconnect between the administration’s claims and the reality on the ground is alarming,” her statement on Thursday read.

“It is said that billions of funds are being invested in flood control projects, but the people suffer from constant floods every rainy season. The people need to know where this fund is going,” it added in Filipino.

During his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) last July 22, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. claimed to have completed over 5,500 flood control initiatives.

In his report to the people on July 23, Marcos also proposed the implementation of 10 flood control projects from 2024 to 2037, which would cost over P500 billion.

“For years, we’ve seen corruption-tainted and ineffective flood control projects. We need to put an end to this cycle that only serves to line the pockets of corrupt officials while leaving our people vulnerable to disasters,” Brosas pointed out.

The lawmaker also urged the House of Representatives and the Senate to review the flood control programs of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

“In the upcoming budget deliberations, Gabriela Women’s Party will scrutinize every peso of the billion-peso budget for flood control projects,” she said.

“We must not allow public funds to be squandered while the people, especially women and children, bear the effects of the calamities,” she added in Filipino.

On Wednesday, the government suspended work in its offices and classes at all levels in the capital region due to inclement weather and severe flooding.

The Metro Manila Council likewise approved a resolution declaring a state of calamity in the capital region due to the onslaught of Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.

Based on the latest situational report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the number of people affected by the combined effects of Carina, the southwest monsoon, and tropical depression Butchoy has reached over P1.1 million.

According to the state weather service, Carina exited the Philippine area of Responsibility at 6:20 a.m. on Thursday.

However, the typhoon is expected to continue enhancing the southwest monsoon and will trigger heavy rainfall, particularly in the Ilocos region.