MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan vowed to withhold his approval of the proposed 2027 budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) unless the agency presents a concrete and adequately funded plan to address Pampanga’s persistent flooding.
Pangilinan made the commitment after visiting his father’s home province of Pampanga on Friday with Sen. Lito Lapid. They assessed the situation and heard the concerns of residents affected by weeks of flooding.
During their visit, the two senators also helped distribute relief packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development to flood victims.
They vowed to push for the inclusion of a well-funded master plan specifically addressing Pampanga’s flood-control problems.
In a statement, Pangilinan said the upcoming Senate budget hearings would give lawmakers an opportunity to demand answers from the DPWH regarding its flood-control plans and proposed spending for Pampanga.
"But we know what the more important solution to the flooding problem is. That’s why there will be a budget hearing in the Senate next week, and the DPWH will appear before us," he said.
"We will ask the DPWH to present its plan, and we will push for additional funding. If they cannot answer our questions—what are we going to do for Pampanga, what flood-control projects do you have, and how much budget will you allocate?—and we are not satisfied with their answers, we will not approve their budget," he added.
