Garin: Flood control projects under 2027 budget are only for areas that need it

The flood control projects to be funded under the proposed 2027 national budget will be in areas that need them, House Deputy Speaker Janette Garin said Monday.

Garin made the assurance as the government has earned the public’s ire over the flood control mess, which was first called out by President Ferdinand "Bongbong' Marcos Jr. during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) back in January 2025.

“We need to be vigilant, but it does not mean that we will abandon these [flood control projects] because otherwise, malaking dagok ito. If you stop these flood control projects, what will happen to those working flood control projects and the communities that we need to protect?” Garin said in an online press conference ahead of the Executive department’s expected submission of its proposed 2027 national budget to Congress this week.

Garin then said that all flood control projects funded under the 2025 budget underwent comprehensive scrutiny by multiple agencies.

“What I know is the DBM coordinated with the DPWH and LGUs, and a lot of requirements were set in motion before a flood control project is included in the NEP (National Expenditure Program),” she said, referring to the President’s proposed budget.

“There were inspections conducted, finding out the boundaries, how much the project would cover, program of work, and the like. These details were required so we won’t be scammed,” she added.

Likewise, Garin said that Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos have been coordinating with key government agencies in identifying immediate needs and funding gaps that Congress may address in the proposed 2027 national budget.

“We want to ensure that our national budget will fund programs that are efficient,” she added.

The 2026 national budget has earmarked P2.6 billion for the maintenance of existing flood control projects and zero for new flood control initiatives. —AOL, GMA News