The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon vowed to conduct a rigorous budget review, including the implementation of science-based projects for the agency.
“Kung meron man pong flood control projects, dapat po ang uunahin dito ‘yung mga pinaka nangangailangan ng flood control project. ‘Yan po ay tingin ko ay common sense,” Dizon said in response to House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan’s query.
The House Committee on Appropriations conducted its inquiry into the DPWH’s 2026 budget on Friday, September 5. During Libanan’s interpellation, the lawmaker questioned why seawalls and river control projects are not prioritized in several flood-prone areas.
Dizon, on his fourth day as the DPWH Chief, responded by highlighting their plan to meticulously study the agency’s budget allocation, specifically for he flood control projects. According to Dizon, over 30% of the ₱880 billion budget was allocated for flood control. This amounts to ₱268.3 billion.
“Ito po talaga kailangan rebisahin, repasuhin. We have to put rhyme and reason. We have to put order in allocating the precious funds of our people. And it will start, obviously, with science as mentioned by Chair Mika [Suansing] earlier. Kailangan po science-based ito,” Dizon emphasized.
“Hindi ‘to pwedeng kung saan-saan na lang po kinukuha ang mga numero. At kung saan saan na lang po nilalagay. Kailangan po ilalagay ito base sa siyensya. Kaya po, makakasa po kayo, honorable minority leader [Libanan], gagawin po natin yan sa ating pagre-review nitong budget ng DPWH,” he added.
Libanan then reasoned that if such an amount is allocated alone for the flood control projects, then the agency can distribute it to other projects, like road and bridge construction. Specifying the construction of the Sorsogon-Northern Samar Bridge and the Southern Leyte and Mindanao Bridge.
“Bakit nasa flood control tayong lahat? Anong maganda dito? Dapat natuto na tayong magplano ng maayos,” Libanan said.
“Marami pong mga proyekto na dapat i-prioritize at yun po ang pipilitin natin gawin dito sa pagrepaso natin. Kung hindi naman kinakailangan yung ibang flood control project, pwede po iyang magamit sa ibang mga project tulad ng pag-maintain ng Maharlika Highway, ‘yung nationwide backbone, at iba pang mga proyekto tulad ng ating mga tulay,” Dizon said in response.
