Poe flags bigger proposed budget for flood control than DOH amid COVID-19 pandemic

Senator Grace Poe questioned Thursday the higher allocation for flood control projects under the proposed P4.5 trillion budget for 2021 than that of the Department of Health amid COVID-19 pandemic.

“Why is that the budget for flood control project under DPWH (Department of  Public Works and Highways) at P150 billion is higher than that of the Department of Health at P131 billion?” Poe asked during the hearing of the Senate finance committee on the proposed 2021national budget.

Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado did not offer justification and instead vowed to work with Congress in addressing Poe’s concerns.

“We are guided by the priorities of the government. This will go through a process. We did our best in striking a balance between health and economic concerns, and so we are partnering with Congress in  looking into this,” Avisado said.

“We are not saying we are absolute in our calculation in how much will go to each department, and we are willing to work this out with Congress,” Avisado added.

Poe welcomed Avisado’s receptive feedback.

“Environment should not be neglected and there are legitimate flood control projects, but it is just very hard to keep track of them,” Poe said.

The Philippines has recorded 245,143 COVID-19 cases thus far. Of this number, 185,543 recovered while 3,986 died. The number of active cases is at 55,614.—AOL, GMA News