Amid the scandal surrounding bogus or otherwise defective flood control projects, such proposed expenditures persist in the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) budget for the next year.

Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian, chairperson of the Committee on Finance, revealed that as he and his staff reviewed over 4,000 flood control projects, they found there were projects listed in unknown locations and others with multiple phases, all carrying identical allocations, reported RH 28 Raymund Dadpaas.

He also explained that they had enlisted the help of a team of engineers to assist with the technical details of the projects to be funded.

“So we had to engage engineers to help us with the technical side. Pero while reviewing it, nakita namin, mayroong mga P10 million, same barangay, same municipality, package 1 (through 4)… tapos may mga the same amount … Marami kaming na-notice na ganoong while reviewing it,” Gatchalian said.

This proposed budget was submitted by the DPWH to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and has been included in the National Expenditure Program (NEP). In it, ₱270 billion has been apportioned for flood control projects for 2026.

Meanwhile, Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson also warned of possible insertions for ghost projects in the proposed 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP).

The Senate’s Budget Coordination Committee began tackling the 2026 national budget yesterday, September 1.

Senator Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV earlier appealed for the total removal of the flood control project allocation, which would instead be redistributed towards the education and healthcare sectors. If not the entire allocation, any amount that may be reduced should fund the construction of classrooms and healthcare facilities, as well as priority programs, he said.